Vice president

Jacksonville City Councilman Ron Salem is pushing for an independent, outside audit of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority after the agency revealed a nearly $40 million shortfall that triggered almost 200 layoffs. Salem, a member of the newly reconvened Financial Audit and Oversight Committee, says the probe should be conducted by someone with no prior ties to JTA to determine how the deficit occurred and prevent a recurrence.

Council President Nick Howland reconvened the committee—which also includes Vice President Joe Carlucci and Councilman Chris Miller—a day after Florida's attorney general subpoenaed JTA as part of a criminal probe into spending on items including massages, murals and scholarships. Salem said the committee's goals are to stabilize JTA's finances short-term and understand the root causes. A council bill expected next week would redirect $30 million in gas tax revenue to JTA operations, which Salem supports, noting the agency is currently borrowing to cover expenses. Mayor Donna Deegan backed the committee's work, calling for greater transparency and accountability.