JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville City Council’s Special Investigatory Committee focused on JEA held its first meeting Tuesday, but the session quickly shifted from broad plans for an investigation to a dispute over a potential key witness.
The committee was formed by City Council President Kevin Carrico following a request from the city’s Office of Inspector General for assistance related to allegations involving JEA, including whether the utility failed to collect certain water and sewer capacity fees from some commercial customers over a period of years.
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Carrico appointed Councilmember Ron Salem — the City Council’s liaison to JEA — as chair of the committee. Councilmembers Rory Diamond and Ju’Coby Pittman are also serving as members.
The committee’s first steps on workplace culture include an outside survey of current employees, with Salem saying the committee received a list of 147 managers and above — employees he said could have had interaction with JEA CEO Vickie Cavey. Salem said a separate survey would be offered to former employees who want to participate.
Dispute over questioning Regina Ross
The meeting’s most contentious issue involved Regina Ross, who previously served as JEA’s legal counsel in her role with the city’s Office of General Counsel (OGC). Committee members said auditors need to speak with Ross to move forward on the capacity-fee portion of the review.
“I don’t think these are questions that can be answered by other attorneys at OGC or anyone else. I think it really needs to be her,” Salem said.
Salem said the committee was told Ross would not be available to answer questions due to attorney-client privilege concerns tied to her prior role.
Diamond criticized that position during the meeting.
“I find it very disturbing that at the beginning of the investigation to start throwing up roadblocks,” Diamond said.
The dispute raised questions about whether testimony could be compelled. City Council attorney Jason Teal told members the committee has the authority to request participation and, if necessary, use other options to compel testimony. Teal cited subpoenas as an option with failure to comply leading to potential fines or jail time.
Chief Deputy General Counsel Dylan Reingold told the committee that the office plans to help.
“We plan to participate and assist the auditors and this committee as the office of general counsel to the best and fullest of our abilities,” Reingold said.
Reingold also objected to suggestions that the committee might seek to arrest Ross.
“Certainly hoping that the city council does not do that,” Reingold added. Salem and Council President Carrico called that remark inappropriate.
Committee votes and what happens next
By the end of the meeting, the committee voted to send a letter to JEA asking the utility to waive any potential legal privilege that could prevent testimony or the release of documents related to the review.
The committee also requested records related to employee hiring, promotions and demotions and approved steps aimed at preserving records, including a litigation hold notice.
When asked about the timeline and when people can expect results, Salem said:
“Well, I think a lot of it depends upon Regina Ross and our ability to access her.”
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m., when former JEA chief of staff Kurt Wilson is expected to testify. Salem also encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact his office.
“Get ready for the survey and express yourself in the survey,” Salem said. “It’ll be anonymous. Nobody will be able to know that you answered those questions and that’s the importance of it.”
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