Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Jacksonville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in water utilities with critical priority
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.
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.
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.
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.