Brian R. Phillips

The board meeting encompassed a wide range of reports and approvals. Key topics included a performance and financial update, a rate hearing concerning electric, water, and sewer services, and the approval of a new slate of officers. The board also reviewed and approved an executive compensation contract, an amended interagency agreement with the City of Jacksonville, a deferred compensation plan, an internal audit charter, an enterprise risk management policy, and a warehouse lease extension. Furthermore, the board authorized infrastructure projects, including the Arlington East Water Reclamation Facility Phase 2 expansion and the Fulton Cut Replacement Project, and received training regarding board responsibilities for bond disclosures.

The board conducted a budget workshop to review the FY2026 budget and FY2027-28 forecasts. Presentations included an enterprise planning overview, consolidated system financial details, and specific deep dives into electric, water, and district energy systems. The discussion covered revenue drivers, operational budgets, capital demands, debt service profiles, and human resources items such as salary and benefit structures. The meeting concluded with a review of key takeaways regarding city contributions and staffing.

The Board conducted a workshop to discuss the search process for a permanent CEO. The Board engaged consultants to outline the search phases, which include defining candidate profiles, assessing and interviewing candidates, and selecting a candidate. The discussion focused on the desired leadership attributes for the next CEO, including innovation, strategic thinking, community stakeholder management, and organizational leadership skills. Board members deliberated on the necessity of operational utility experience and reviewed the current organizational structure, specifically the direct reporting lines to the CEO position.

The board held a regular session featuring a workshop on the Hurricane Matthew response, including reviews of storm preparedness and restoration efforts. Key actions included the approval of a resolution authorizing the Managing Director/CEO to make budgetary transfers within the FY2017 budget, the approval of a second time extension for the Southside Generating Station property sale, and the passage of a resolution requesting the City of Jacksonville to amend the JEA Charter regarding meeting frequency requirements. Additionally, the board voted to proceed with contract negotiations for Ernst & Young as the external audit service provider and reviewed various operational and financial reports.

The committee meeting included a briefing on local, state, and federal government relations matters. Additionally, the committee received a report regarding the status of the organization's current litigation, which covered both new and existing legal matters.