2026-10-23 - Finance
Summary
From the official minutes (posted 2026-10-23, 5:00 p.m.) and the posted agenda. No video recorded yet.
- Meeting convened 11:15 a.m. and adjourned 11:35 a.m. Present: Lahnen, White, Miller, Gay, Diamond and Johnson; also Council President Howland and CMs Pittman and Salem.
- Former JTA CEO Ford was not in attendance. Diamond said the subpoena was served on time and an alternative time is being negotiated with Ford.
- Motion by Johnson, seconded by White, to remove Ford's subpoena: failed 1-6, with Johnson the only vote in favor.
- No date for Ford's testimony is recorded in the minutes.
Former JTA CEO Testimony Subpoena
See Former JTA CEO Testimony Subpoena and Jacksonville Transportation Authority Financial Condition.
- Howland asked whether the subpoena would have to be reissued for a new date; General Counsel Fackler said it would not.
- Johnson questioned the necessity and equity of the process and suggested withdrawing the subpoena since Ford has said he is willing to speak to the committee at some point. Fackler said removing it could reduce the committee's leverage to compel testimony.
- Staffopoulos (Office of General Counsel) described the penalties for ignoring a lawful council order: Charter Section 5.09 (misdemeanor, fine up to 1,000 dollars or up to 60 days in jail, or both); Ordinance Code Section 134.105 (failure to appear can be found contempt of the Council and a class D offense); Charter Section 18.01 (failure to obey a reasonable order for attendance can be a misdemeanor, fine up to 1,000 dollars or up to 90 days, or both).
- Howland said the subpoena was intended as "friendly" and noted Ford's tenure and record of cooperation. Diamond said removal could be considered after Ford sets a date. Salem said testimony from past chief financial officers should come before Ford's.
- The minutes record no member questions under the "Questions from Finance Committee Members" item.
Agenda
Special meeting on the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (regular Finance slots on 10/6 and 10/20 were 1:00 PM). Chair Lahnen, Vice Chair Miller. Topic: Jacksonville Transportation Authority Financial Condition. Items:
- Testimony from former JTA CEO Nat Ford, or discussion to address his testimony before the committee.
- Finance Committee member questions.
- Adjourn.
Official Minutes
Special Meeting on JTA, minutes by Hampsey of Council Research. Staff present: Staffopoulos, Peterson and Brian Parks of the Council Auditor's Office, Hampsey. The roster lists Johnson as "Excused, late arrival 1:08 p.m." although the attendance line and the vote record show him present at the 11:15 a.m. meeting; the minutes do not explain the difference.