So in watching First Coast News (NBC12) tonight at 6pm, they opened with a story about how the city wants to dip into cash reserves of JEA, JTA, JaxPort, JAA and others and use that money to stimulate local economy. I do not fully understand the structure of these agencies ... they are apparently all supported by tax dollars, which I would assume would give the City of Jax the right to use the money. Kind of like, if you don't spend what is budgeted, we will take it and use it elsewhere. Does anyone know more about this, or if this is even legal for City Council to consider? Anyone that can offer a little public education please do! Thanks
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/topstories/article/263286/483/New-idea-to-revolutionize-the-way-the-city-operates
JEA is a standalone entity, although it's not supposed to be. I suspect the mechanics of that idea will have the mayor's head on a platter before too much longer. Although I'm not opposed to taking JEA's stockpile away on grounds of general principle. The $&@?ers. I'm still not over them announcing absurd revenues and turning off a 104-year old woman's power because she couldn't afford the payment all in the same month. That beast is out of control.
JTA is a rogue agency of the State of Florida, and JEA apparently is it's kissing cousin. They ARE OUT OF CONTROL.
This idea smells to high heavens though, as there is no better way to stimulate the local economy the to create a fixed rail transit system, and offering quality utilities at a very competitive price.
JTA needs to have it's entire focus on highways, and we need an independent agency for mass transit owned and operated by the COJ. -OR- Have JTA focus solely on mass transit, and send the highway boys out the back gate. Keeping these two historically opposing sciences in the same agency is like trying to raise rats and cobra's in the same box.
as noted on here in previous threads, JEA contributes a significant amount of money to the City's budget every year...somewhere in the $100 million range.
JEA actually "contributes" closer to $200 million annually.
JEA's FY2013 budget proposes a "contribution" of $236 million to C.O.J.