Jacksonville City Council forming committee to investigate claims JEA failed to collect millions in fees

Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico announced Wednesday he is forming the ‘Special Investigatory Committee’ at the request of the Office of Inspector General after allegations surfaced that JEA failed to collect millions of dollars in utility capacity fees from developers and companies.

According to Carrico, Inspector General Matthew Lascell sent him a memorandum Tuesday, requesting city council’s help in determining whether JEA failed to collect capacity fees from certain commercial customers over a period of several years, and to assess the potential impact to the city and JEA.

Carrico stated in a release that the special committee will be tasked with the following:

Determining, with the Council Auditor, the extent to which capacity fees may not have been collected in recent years and identifying the amount, if any, that may be owed to the city and JEA.

Investigating and ensuring that JEA and the city are in compliance with bond commitments and reporting requirements, including but not limited to any provision of services for free in violation of those commitments.

Based on recent allegations made to the JEA Board regarding racism and the toxic culture existing at JEA under the leadership of the current JEA Chief Executive Officer, conducting an independent review of recent employee allegations regarding workplace culture at JEA.

Evaluating JEA compliance with applicable whistleblower protection laws and policies.

Proposing legislation as appropriate based on the committee’s findings.

Carrico said council members Ron Salem, Rory Diamond and Ju’Coby Pittman will serve as members of the committee, and that the committee will begin work “in the coming weeks.” He added that the committee will provide updates to the full city council as “information becomes available.”

“The situation at JEA is increasingly untenable and requires careful attention and accountability,” Carrico said. “The Inspector General’s request underscores the seriousness of the concerns that have been raised. The people of Jacksonville and the employees at JEA deserve clear answers, full transparency, and accountability wherever it may be warranted.”

Carrico is set to hold a press conference on the front steps of City Hall Wednesday morning, where he’ll formally announce the formation of the committee and “outline its scope.”