City Council Committees, Boards, and Commissions

Special Committee for Special Investigatory Committee on JEA Matters

Background:

In a request dated March 10, 2026, Inspector General Matthew Lascell asked the City Council to assist in determining whether JEA failed to properly collect capacity fees from certain commercial customers over multiple years and to assess the potential financial impacts on the City, JEA, and ratepayers. Additionally, allegations of a toxic employee atmosphere and racist incidents were raised to the JEA Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and remain uninvestigated.

Charge:

As a result, the Special Investigatory Committee on JEA will be responsible for the following:
1. Working with the Council Auditor to determine the extent to which capacity fees may not have been collected in recent years and identifying any amounts owed to the City or JEA.
2. Reviewing and verifying JEA’s and the City’s compliance with all bond commitments and reporting requirements, including any potential instances of providing services without charge in violation of those commitments.
3. Conducting an independent examination of recent employee allegations regarding racism and a toxic workplace culture under the current Chief Executive Officer.
4. Assessing JEA’s compliance with applicable whistleblower protection laws and policies.
5. Recommending legislation as appropriate based on the Committee’s findings.

The Special Committee may consult both public and private subject matter experts and should promote strong public participation throughout its work.

As Council President, I plan to participate in the Special Committee meetings as needed. All Council Members are invited to attend the Special Committee meetings to observe the proceedings and participate at the discretion of the chair.

Deadline:

The Special Committee on JEA is directed to report its findings and recommendations on or before June 30, 2026. I am hopeful that the next City Council President will extend the Committee’s charge beyond that date if it is warranted.