Rep. Janet Adkins wants pension fund investigated

State lawmaker asks Gov. Rick Scott to order FDLE, Inspector General investigation of Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A state representative for Nassau and part of Duval counties has asked Gov. Rick Scott for a state investigation of the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund.

In a letter to Scott last week, Rep. Janet Adkins asked for a review and investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of the Chief Inspector General on behalf of her constituents to determine whether any state laws were broken regarding the handling of the troubled local pension fund and the associated Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP).

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown and City Council President Clay Yarborough were also copied on the letter.

DOCUMENT: Adkins' letter to Gov. Scott

"It's important as we move forward that we know whether or not the law been broken or not, or whether or not people have failed to execute the law as its been written or if they've broken the law," Atkins said.

Adkins wants the investigation to focus on two areas: 1) Why a special pension plan was designed for only one or two beneficiaries like John Keane, who is executive director of the pension fund; and 2) The rules behind the DROP program, where some firefighters and police work longer for a higher pension rate. 

"People were allowed to enter the DROP program that did not (meet the) eligibility requirements, or they were allowed to stay longer in the program, and what the plan allows for," Adkins said.

Keane said he was not surprised by the request for an investigation.

"After all that has been going on in the last four years about demonizing the Police and Fire Pension Fund, not much is surprising," Keane said. "Rep. Adkins certainly has right to (ask) the governor. I addressed the Duval (County Legislative) Delegation last week and we have no other comment on it."

Adkins, who is current chair of the Duval Delegation, said it is up to the Jacksonville City Council to address the funding issue. Her concerns are elsewhere.

"My focus is whether or not the laws of been followed or have they been broken," Adkins said. "That's a question for law enforcement to determine."

The governor's office said it had received the letter, but had no other comment.

Adkins plans to hold a workshop City Hall Jan. 15 to discuss state laws regarding pension funds. She said she plans to introduce legislation next year that will address some of these issues.

The pension workshop is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Don Davis Room at Jacksonville City Hall.


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Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.