JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville City Council member wants someone from outside city government to investigate the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s financial problems.
Councilman Ron Salem, one of three members appointed to a new financial oversight committee examining JTA, says an independent audit is necessary to get to the bottom of how the agency ended up $40 million short — a shortfall that led to nearly 200 layoffs.
“I think it needs to be somebody from the outside who’s never had anything to do with JTA to determine what exactly happened, educate us, and we’ve got to make sure it never happens again,” Salem said.
Committee takes a closer look at JTA
Council President Nick Howland reconvened the Financial Audit and Oversight Committee on Wednesday to investigate JTA’s finances — one day after the state attorney general subpoenaed the agency.
The committee includes Council Vice President Joe Carlucci, Councilman Chris Miller, and Councilman Salem. News4JAX reached out to Carlucci and Miller for comment; neither had responded at the time of this report.
Salem described the committee’s goals as twofold: stabilize JTA in the short term and understand how the agency reached this point.
“I think the intent is to try to determine exactly where we are with JTA and what happened and how we get JTA back in a good financial situation,” he said.
Salem pushing for outside audit alongside committee work
Beyond the committee’s work, Salem is calling for a separate, independent audit.
“There should be sort of two plans — one going forward: How do we get them stabilized? But number two, I’m calling for an independent audit from an outside source to come into JTA and determine exactly what happened,” Salem said. “Educate the city council, their board, and the public on exactly how they got into this situation.”
Salem also acknowledged the unusual level of scrutiny now surrounding the agency.
“When you’re $40 million in the hole, you’ve used all your reserves, and it’s a public entity, that’s a problem,” he said. “We need to figure all this out. But try to get the bus routes stabilized — the basic core services of JTA need to get back to business as quickly as we can.”
A bill is expected before the council next week that would pull $30 million from the gas tax and direct it toward JTA operations. Salem said he plans to support it, noting the agency is currently borrowing money to pay its bills.
Mayor Deegan responds
Mayor Donna Deegan released a statement supporting the committee’s work.
“I support President Howland directing the Financial Audit and Oversight Select Committee to get more answers on how we got here and make recommendations that improve JTA’s financial standing over the long term,” Deegan said. “My administration stands ready to work with committee members on identifying constructive solutions.”
Deegan also addressed the impact on riders and workers.
“It’s unfortunate that customers and employees are facing significant disruption right now,” she said. “Every action we take must improve the lives of our citizens and the services they rely on every day, while delivering more transparency, accountability, and protection of taxpayer dollars.”
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