Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Jacksonville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in water utilities
JEA meeting transparency charter amendment
A proposed charter amendment would force JEA to televise or live-stream every meeting of its governing body and post recordings online within three business days. It aims to make the city-owned utility's decision-making more visible to the public.
Utility assistance for JEA customers (deferred)
A $2.3 million plan to help Duval households with JEA bills — up to $1,200 per household through United Way's City to Neighbor program — was pushed back two cycles, despite an emergency request.
2027 FIND Project Review and Prioritization
Jacksonville gets matching grants from the Florida Inland Navigation District for boat ramps, docks, and waterway projects. The subcommittee picked which projects to request funding for in 2027 — directly shaping what boaters and anglers get built next year.
JEA Unbilled Water Capacity Fees and Oversight
Council auditors are investigating whether JEA failed to collect millions in capacity fees in recent years. Auditors say they cannot complete their work without interviewing former JEA attorney Regina Ross, whose availability is currently blocked by Office of General Counsel privilege claims.
Solid Waste Fee Increases and Landfill Finances
The committee discussed solid waste user fee increases from $27 to $29.50, commodity price drops in recyclables, and trail ridge landfill operations.
Solid Waste Collection Contract Extension
The committee discussed solid waste user fee increases from $27 to $29.50, commodity price drops in recyclables, and trail ridge landfill operations.
Fulton Cut Transmission Line Clearance Project
JEA is raising power lines across the St. Johns River by 50 feet to allow larger cargo ships from JAXPORT to pass. The $117 million project is on budget, utilizes advanced helicopter stringing, and is expected to be operational by late 2026.
Underground Utility Safety and 811 Awareness
The council recognized August 11, 2026, as "Sunshine 811 Day" to urge residents and contractors to call before digging, aiming to reduce utility strikes in Florida.
JEA $1.5B Combined Cycle Power Plant Project
Committee members raised concerns over JEA's $350 million investment in a combined-cycle natural gas facility at the former St. Johns River Power Park site before receiving final approval from the Public Service Commission.
Third-Party Utility Billing Concerns
A resident voiced concerns during public comment regarding a lack of regulation over third-party water utility billing by landlords after receiving an unexpected $1,200 bill.
Hogan's Creek Property Acquisition and Eminent Domain
The city is moving forward with eminent domain and $12.6 million in funding to acquire 17 commercial parcels along Hogan's Creek for drainage and environmental improvements.
Uncollected Utility Capacity Fees
A systemic billing failure dating back to 2022 resulted in large commercial developers failing to pay proper capacity fees as their facilities expanded. The Council Auditor's office is reviewing historical tariffs and records to determine the extent of uncollected revenues and ensure equitable treatment for all utility customers.
Hogpen Creek Sedimentation and Watershed Study
Property owners along Hogpen Creek are requesting a city-funded watershed study to determine the causes of severe mud buildup and shoaling linked to the Sandalwood Canal and nearby development runoff.
Deferral of JEA Board Appointments Amid Investigations
Chair Chris Miller deferred two JEA board appointments, citing ongoing internal leadership questions and council committee investigations. Several council members supported the pause to ensure decisions are based on facts rather than political turbulence.
JEA Labor Negotiations and Utility Staff Compensation
JEA and its labor unions have agreed to new three-year contracts providing steady wage increases to utility workers to help retain staff and match market rates.
JEA solar facility rights-of-way closure
Three unopened rights-of-way in the Jacksonville Farms plat will be closed so JEA can build a solar facility near a park on Pottsburg Creek.
McCoys Creek Flood Mitigation and Restoration Funding
The city accepted over $2.2 million in federal grant funds to restore natural water flow along McCoys Creek branches. Officials noted the project will combat chronic flooding in areas like Lackawanna and North Riverside while enhancing neighborhood aesthetics.
New Construction Septic Tank Usage and Remediation
Council members raised concerns about how many newly constructed homes are still being permitted with septic tanks instead of connecting to sewer lines. The committee plans to request a briefing from JEA and Public Works.
JEA Water First Regional Project Briefing
JEA presented its regional Water First project, a multi-agency initiative to pump treated reclaimed water westward from Jacksonville to help recharge the Floridan Aquifer and protect local springs and rivers. The project addresses upcoming environmental regulations and seeks to ensure long-term regional water sustainability.