Jacksonville City Council Utility Relief Committee Emergency Meeting - October 20, 2026

The committee convened at 4:00 PM for a one-hour emergency meeting to advance legislation allocating $2.3 million from city reserves for utility assistance, aiming to file an emergency bill by Wednesday and secure 13 votes. Councilmembers discussed program design, funding distribution, and administration capacity, and heard public testimony criticizing the approach as a short-term fix.

Discussion Items

• Proposed Funding Allocation: Councilmember Peluso introduced a plan to allocate $2.3 million from reserves: $400,000 to Parks, Rec and Community Services (PRCS) for their utility assistance program ($200,000 in year one, $200,000 in year two, without new hires), and the remaining $1.9 million to a new "City to Neighbor" program administered by United Way and its partners (Catholic Charities, Jewish Family and Community Services, DESK). Of the $1.9 million, $200,000 would cover administrative costs (10–15% overhead), leaving $1.7 million for direct household assistance over one year.
• Maximum Household Assistance: Initially set at $1,000, Councilmember Pittman proposed $1,200, which the committee agreed to. United Way requested 25% of funds upfront ($425,000) to begin administration and hiring.
• Existing Programs Overview: Current city programs include PRCS's utility assistance (once per 18 months) and the JEA Neighbor to Neighbor program (administered by Catholic Charities via United Way 211, funded by voluntary ratepayer contributions). PRCS can absorb an extra $200,000 without additional staff.
• Capacity and Administration: United Way (Coretta Hill) explained that their 211 line handles tens of thousands of calls weekly with only seven daytime agents. Their closed-loop referral network (Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, DESK) can serve about $750,000 in new funding without extra administrative support; additional funding would require 10–15% overhead. The partners could expend the $1.7 million within one year.
• JEA Data and Customer Support: JEA's Charles Morland reported that 85% of residential customers pay within 30 days, 12% within 60 days, and 97% by day 60. The critical bucket is 61–90 days past due: 9,381 residential customers; 91–120 days: 3,387 customers. JEA offers payment extensions, arrangements, budget billing, and works with partners to stop disconnection when a voucher is issued. They followed up on complaints from the previous meeting and resolved two cases.
• Veterans Set-Aside: Councilmember Gaffney suggested setting aside $100,000–$200,000 for veterans, but the committee decided against segregating funds, noting that all residents in need should be served.
• Long-Term Concerns: Councilmembers and public commenters noted that utility assistance is a band-aid and that rate increases (6% electric, 8% water/sewer since October) and JEA's opaque planning (Integrated Resource Plan) need systemic solutions. The committee acknowledged these issues but emphasized the immediate emergency.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Laureen Husband: Criticized assistance as treating symptoms, not causes. Reported that JEA sent $179 million to the city's general fund in FY2026 ($348 million including franchise fees and public service tax). Called for lowering the city's take from JEA, independent review of JEA spending, and addressing rate hikes. Stated that United Way's 211 line received 4,600+ calls from Duval residents in one year with only seven staff.
• Suzanne Sapp (Sierra Club, Duval Affordable Clean Energy Coalition): Urged immediate intervention (no disconnections, remove disconnect notice requirement for assistance) and long-term solutions: free energy audits and weatherization for renters, time-of-use rate education, a community advisory council for JEA, and a forensic audit. Called for transparency in JEA's energy planning.
• Deborah Thompson (NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee): Highlighted difficulties for low/moderate-income families, refugees, and seniors on fixed incomes. Asked for fixed rates or rate stabilization, and urged the committee to consider the human side of escalating bills.
• Reverend Dr. Russell Meyer: Emphasized that older homes need energy efficiency. Proposed a city‑JEA financing program for retrofits repaid through property-tax liens (for both homeowners and renters). Estimated 14,000 households (3% of JEA's residential customers) need help. Called for moving toward clean, renewable energy.

Key Outcomes

• Legislative Path: The committee agreed to file an emergency bill by Wednesday, October 23, 2026. The bill will allocate $2.3 million as follows:
  • $400,000 to Parks, Rec and Community Services ($200,000 for FY2026-27, $200,000 for FY2027-28).
  • $1.9 million to United Way for the "City to Neighbor" program, with $200,000 for administration and $1.7 million for direct household assistance.
  • Maximum assistance per household: $1,200 per year.
  • United Way to receive 25% upfront ($425,000) for administrative startup.
  • The program will operate for one year, with funds expected to be expended within that period.
• Next Steps: The bill will be introduced and require 13 votes for passage. Councilmembers Peluso and Gaffney will co-introduce. The committee committed to continuing discussions on longer-term rate and energy policy issues.