Jacksonville council committee looks into JTA’s $39 million shortfall, seeks answers about what led to financial trouble

A Jacksonville City Council committee is seeking answers about how the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s $39 million budget shortfall developed and what it means for public transportation.The Audit and Financial Oversight Select Committee held its first meeting focused on the agency’s finances. The crisis has led to layoffs of nearly 200 JTA employees, reduced routes and longer wait times for riders. The City Council also agreed to let JTA use $30 million in gas tax revenue to help address its debt.RELATED | City council approves $30M gas tax to rescue JTA from financial crisisCouncil members want to know when the financial trouble began, why it was not raised sooner and who knew about it.“I think we’re all concerned” about the sharp reduction in revenue and “why it wasn’t brought forward,” Councilman Ron Salem said. He said the committee may need people to come forward or request that they answer questions, adding that he hopes their participation will be voluntary.The committee