Rules Committee approves targeted survey of JEA managers after heated debate; amendment directs presentation to JEA board

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee voted to approve ordinance 20260268 as amended, authorizing a focused survey of about 144 JEA employees (managers and above) to gather information about workplace culture and race-related issues.

Councilman Ron Salem, the ordinance sponsor, told the committee the targeted survey will be administered by Selection Link Inc. and will separate responses from former employees so the active-employee data remains distinct. He said the committee will turn findings over to the JEA board rather than use them directly for personnel action. "We will provide that to the board of JEA," Salem said, describing the effort as an informational supplement to the utility's own work.

Why it matters: The survey was the meeting’s most contested item because it probes an independent authority with large rate-making implications. Supporters framed the measure as routine legislative oversight; opponents argued it risked overreach into an authority the charter intended to remain independent.

Support and concerns Supporters, including Councilman Rory Diamond, said the council has a duty to ask questions about an authority that affects rates and public service. Diamond said, "Just ask questions and get answers," and warned that oversight can prevent larger problems.

Opponents warned the committee could be duplicating or interfering with investigations already under way. Councilman Michael Boylan called the proposal "another example of common overreach" and urged caution about intervening in personnel matters governed by Article 21 of the city charter. Councilman Matt Carlucci likewise urged restraint, saying the committee was at risk of stepping "out of our lane." Those concerns centered on separation of duties between the council, the JEA board and other investigators.

Scope, cost and deliverables Committee members established several technical points in the debate: the sponsor said Selection Link would survey roughly 144 managers, that former-employee responses would be collected but kept separate from the active-employee dataset, and that the committee expected the consultant to deliver an overall report and at least one executive presentation. Jason Teal, legislative counsel, confirmed the contract authorizes one executive presentation and allows additional consultant work at $350 an hour. Salem said the committee would cover the initial engagement from existing budget lines and estimated the survey work at "a little over $9,000."

Amendment and final vote Councilman Boylan offered an amendment that requires Selection Link Inc. to make at least one executive presentation of findings to the JEA board; the amendment passed after debate. With the amendment in place, the committee voted to approve ordinance 20260268 as amended; the vote in committee was recorded as 6 yays and 1 nay.

What happens next The committee’s action advances the ordinance to the full council for final consideration. Salem and other supporters said the intent is transparency and to provide additional information the JEA board can use; opponents said full council review and deference to agencies and ongoing criminal or inspector-general inquiries should guide any next steps.

At the time the committee voted, no specific personnel action was authorized by the council; the committee’s stated plan was to deliver consultant findings to the JEA board for its consideration.