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Resident group warns council about North Florida Water Utilities Association spending and governance
Summary
A resident representing Concerned Citizens of North Florida criticized the North Florida Water Utilities Association's governance, salary commitments and funding sources during public comment; he urged more public scrutiny and provided a web page with detailed materials.
A speaker identifying himself as representing Concerned Citizens of North Florida told the City of Live Oak City Council on May 20 that the North Florida Water Utilities Association lacks customers, assets and a public business plan and cautioned the council and residents about its spending and structure.
The speaker said the association began lobbying in early 2024 and that two county commissions contributed $250,000 each, with roughly $517,000 committed so far; he said the association selected a director in April with a stated base salary of $125,000 and a total compensation package the speaker described as "about $200,000" when benefits and perks are included. The speaker cited a Columbia County Observer article and said his group maintains a web page with additional documentation.
He urged the council and residents to review the association’s structure and funding, saying the authority currently has "no customers, no assets, no business plan" and that future funding requests to counties were mentioned by the association’s chairman. The speaker closed by asking councilmembers and residents to consult the group's web page for a fuller record.
The council did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; the remarks were made during the public comment portion and were not presented as a council agenda item.
