JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Customers of JEA could soon see higher utility bills as the board moves forward with rate increases to address a projected budget shortfall exceeding $107 million.
The increases, discussed during a board meeting Tuesday, come as the utility faces rising costs across its electric, water and sewer systems. Analysts project JEA will under recover about $19.6 million in water services and $26 million in sewer operations. The electric system accounts for the largest gap, at roughly $61.5 million.
To help close the deficit, JEA plans a rate increase in October following a detailed budget workshop on April 14th. The exact impact on customers will depend on usage levels.
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The meeting also highlighted ongoing tensions within the utility’s leadership. Board Chair Joe DiSalvo pushed back against questions from City Council member Ron Salem who asked the origin of an internal complaint that led to an investigation into workplace culture.
“It was due to an internal complaint, which is none of your business, and as I said before it’s part of our internal processes” said Disalvo.
DiSalvo said the matter falls under internal human resources processes and is not subject to public disclosure. Salem later criticized the response as inappropriate, noting his role as an elected official.
‘I thought it was an inappropriate comment. I’m the only elected official here,’ Salem said.
In addition to rate increases, unpaid capacity fees emerged as a key issue. The fees, typically charged when properties first connect to water and sewer services, are based on projected usage. Some speakers during public comment argued that certain large developments have not paid their full share, shifting the burden onto residential customers.
Salem said recovering millions of dollars in unpaid fees could help offset future rate hikes and suggested the possibility of establishing payment plans.
The board also discussed testimony from former JEA lead attorney Regina Ross, considered a key witness in the capacity fees investigation. The Office of General Counsel has blocked her from testifying, and board members said they need more time to evaluate the matter.
Meanwhile, CEO Vickie Cavey received positive evaluations from board members despite allegations of a toxic workplace raised by the utility’s former chief of staff.