Jacksonville Council fails to pass emergency JEA resolution

Jacksonville, FL — JEA's strategic planning, which could include privatization, has brought spirited debate throughout Jacksonville since the summer.

“There are so many instances where we are caught off guard”, said Jacksonville City Council Member Matt Carlucci during debate Tuesday night.

City Council failed to pass an emergency resolution that would have urged the JEA Board to stop the invitation to negotiate process. However, Council did support an amended plan to have the non-binding resolution go through debate in committees, and then come back to Council for a vote on January 17th.

“I don’t mind the process, but I don’t want to get screwed in this process either”, said Council Member Tommy Hazouri.

The action came as JEA officials met in Atlanta with potential buyers of the city-owned utility.

Also Tuesday, JEA provided a resignation letter from board member Andy Allen. It was dated December 2nd, and Allen cited increasing demands on his time from his family and business that must take precedence over his continues service on the board.