JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Transportation Authority Board of Directors has approved furloughs for about 80 senior administrative staff members as part of an effort to make up a $14.2M budget deficit.
The furloughs — equivalent to four unpaid weeks off — are part of a broader 15% salary reduction for CEO Nat Ford and senior leadership.
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The cuts are expected to save roughly $2.2 million and are aimed at preserving the agency’s premium Connexion Plus private-ride service while maintaining a balanced budget through the end of the fiscal year, JTA said.
The board approved $14.2 million in total expense reductions after sales tax revenues came in nearly $11 million lower than projected. The fiscal year closes Sept. 30.
The agency noted it has recorded a budget surplus on sales tax projections in 11 of the last 13 years, making this year’s shortfall notable.
Additional cost-cutting measures include eliminating some professional service contracts, renegotiating others, and bringing certain technology services in-house.
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“The JTA is committed to ensuring financial stability across the agency, while maintaining the services we provide for this community,” Ford said. “The adjustments made today, while difficult, are necessary to ensure we end this year with a balanced budget while preserving the transportation services that citizens of Northeast Florida rely on each and every day.”
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The board also approved a revised fare structure for Connexion Plus following a community feedback process that included meetings with advocates, city officials and nonprofit executives.
The new rates take effect April 2. Riders will pay $10 for the first 12 miles and $2.50 per mile beyond that, with no limit on monthly trips. According to JTA, 75% of Connexion Plus customers travel 12 miles or less per trip.