JEA Orders Outside Workplace Review as Council Advances Parallel Investigation

Overview

• JEA hired Jackson Lewis, with Tampa-based investigator Cherie Silberman, to conduct an independent workplace assessment beginning in early April, and it will also run an Energage engagement survey later in April with results sent to the utility’s board.
• The City Council’s Special Investigatory Committee is seeking testimony from former JEA chief counsel Regina Ross after the Office of General Counsel claimed attorney‑client privilege prevents her from appearing.
• Committee Chair Ron Salem said the panel may subpoena Ross and has authorized a letter requesting a privilege waiver, citing charter powers that include misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful testimony.
• The council probe is focused on alleged undercollection of water and wastewater capacity fees, including a Ross memo flagging a potential $18.9 million issue tied to Mayo Clinic and broader shortfalls suggested by Salem.
• Beyond finances, the committee will field an anonymous survey of 147 management employees within 30 to 60 days, while JEA says its review will be insulated from management influence and reported directly to its board.