JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville city leaders are stepping in to help determine the future of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority as JTA faces a nearly $40 million budget shortfall.
City Councilman Ron Salem will host a JTA Matters meeting at City Hall Thursday morning, following a difficult board meeting. More than 150 layoffs are expected as the authority works to stabilize its finances.
Recommended Videos
JTA can now use $30 million in local gas-tax money it has already received to pay down a loan and cover severance packages. A spokesperson said the authority will have 10 years to repay the money.
Salem said the city needs to help guide JTA through the financial crisis and make sure the authority moves toward a more stable future.
“I advised the leadership to be bold,” Salem said. “We have got to get JTA on good financial grounds and this is painful. They’re difficult cuts, but in my opinion, we need to be supportive and try to move forward.”
The meeting is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the City Council chambers.
The financial crisis could also affect transit service outside Duval County. The Clay County Board of Commissioners voted to end a funding agreement with JTA.
