Jacksonville City Council, JEA Clash Over Key Witness in Utility Probe
A deepening rift has emerged between the Jacksonville City Council’s Special Investigatory Committee on JEA and the city’s Office of General Counsel, centering on access to testimony from Regina Ross, former chief legal counsel for JEA. The committee, formed to investigate allegations of workplace culture issues and potentially underpaid water fees, is facing resistance in its attempt to question Ross, who now works within the Office of General Counsel.
The Standoff: Attorney-Client Privilege vs. Investigative Authority
The core of the dispute lies in the assertion of attorney-client privilege by City General Counsel Michael Fackler. He maintains that Ross’s current role necessitates her unavailability to the committee. Committee Chair Ron Salem, yet, is pushing back, signaling a willingness to issue a subpoena if necessary, though he expressed a preference for a “friendly manner.” This tension highlights a fundamental conflict between the council’s investigative powers and the protections afforded by legal privilege.
Millions Potentially at Stake: The Mayo Clinic Question
Ross’s potential testimony is considered crucial due to memos she authored, including one from December 2024, raising concerns about favorable water and wastewater capacity fees granted to Mayo Clinic. These fees reportedly totaled $18.9 million below standard rates since 1995. While lawmakers emphasize they aren’t accusing Mayo Clinic of wrongdoing, the investigation aims to determine the extent of potential underpayments across JEA’s commercial customer base, which Salem estimates could reach $100 million collectively. Other organizations, including Florida State College at Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, have also been mentioned as potentially benefiting from similar arrangements.
Workplace Culture Under Scrutiny: Parallel Investigations
The investigation isn’t solely focused on financial discrepancies. Concerns about JEA’s workplace culture prompted the committee to authorize an anonymous employee survey of 147 management-level employees. This move coincided with JEA’s announcement of its own independent, third-party review and employee engagement survey, a reversal from the board’s previous reluctance to investigate such claims. Committee member Ju’Coby Pittman has requested data on hiring, terminations, promotions, and salaries for African American and brown employees within JEA management, aiming to address potential disparities.
Beyond JEA: Broader Political Context
The JEA investigation is unfolding against a backdrop of broader political maneuvering. Mayor Donna Deegan and Councilmember Matt Carlucci have characterized the committee’s work as politically motivated. City Council President Kevin Carrico is responding to a subpoena from the 4th Circuit State Attorney’s Office related to his attempt to appoint a Boys &. Girls Club CEO to the JEA board. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about potential external influences on the investigation.
What’s Next?
The committee has requested that JEA CEO Vickie Cavey and the Office of General Counsel waive attorney-client privilege to allow Ross to testify. The committee is scheduled to hear public comments from former JEA Chief of Staff Kurt Wilson at its next meeting. Salem has explicitly stated the committee will not investigate JEA’s canceled lobbying contracts with Ballard Partners.
FAQ
Q: What is the purpose of the JEA Special Investigatory Committee?
A: The committee is investigating allegations of workplace culture issues and potentially underpaid water and wastewater fees at JEA.
Q: Why is Regina Ross’s testimony considered important?
A: Ross authored memos raising concerns about potentially favorable fee arrangements with major customers like Mayo Clinic.
Q: Could Mayo Clinic face repercussions?
A: Lawmakers have stated they are not accusing Mayo Clinic of wrongdoing, but the investigation aims to determine if the fees were appropriately calculated.
Q: What is the city council’s authority in this investigation?
A: The city charter grants the council broad authority to investigate city independent agencies, including the power to subpoena witnesses.
Q: What is JEA doing to address the concerns?
A: JEA has announced its own independent review and employee engagement survey.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the JEA investigation by following updates from Jacksonville Today and other local news sources.
Did you know? The potential underpayment of water and wastewater fees could total as much as $100 million across JEA’s commercial customer base.
Aim for to learn more about JEA and its role in Jacksonville? Visit the City of Jacksonville’s Office of General Counsel website for more information.
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