Source: IG to recommend Jacksonville Housing Authority utility payments be made directly to JEA

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Transparency was a top concern at an emergency Jacksonville Housing Authority board meeting.

Action News Jax told you last week sources said the city’s Office of Inspector General is looking into the inappropriate use of JHA’s utility cards.

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On Monday, Action News Jax learned from those sources that the IG report will recommend that those utility payments be made directly to JEA rather than recipients.

Action News Jax’s Robert Grant was there for the packed house meeting.

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JHA board members were concerned they found out about a possible investigation through the media.

Dwayne Alexander, the CEO of JHA, pushed back, saying this is only an inquiry.

Board members could not discuss the investigation at hand under law because it is still ongoing.

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But a source told Action News Jax that only 13% of utility cards worth $2 million was actually spent on utilities.

JHA still has 10 days to respond after the probe was completed last Thursday.

Alexander downplayed the IG report, saying it’s only an inquiry.

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But the city’s General Counsel said it was a “heightened level investigation.”

“Why don’t we wait until after the report comes out and then you can actually see what our response and their questions to us,” Alexander said.

Action News Jax first told you Friday the IG concluded another investigation into JHA. It said the agency’s Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Dunn violated policy by moving a former resident into a new property despite being ineligible because of his criminal history.

An attorney representing Alexander has also sent a letter to the city’s Office of General Counsel, discussing in part “outside influence” to remove him from his position as CEO, reading in part:

“Despite the promises of compliance with the four year renewal provision of his employment contract and discussion of increasing Mr. Alexander’s annual salary to be commensurate with similar jurisdictions, the JHA Board leadership has suddenly changed its position. Now, the Board leadership is asking Mr. Alexander to resign. We believe this is because of apparent outside influence to remove Mr. Alexander from his position. We believe the cause to remove Mr. Alexander from his position is related to his report to the JHA Board chair regarding retaliation. This is protected activity by Mr. Alexander under both state and federal laws.”

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