Exact Number Unreported; Falloff In Traffic Cited

It's no secret that fewer people are flying today... be it on the airlines, or in their own private or rented aircraft. But that may not be the entire reason why one city has started cutting back its aviation advisory council.

According to the Jacksonville (FL) Business Journal, at least 12 employees with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority lost their jobs this week. JAA spokesman Michael Stewart says the layoffs -- an exact number is hard to come by -- are part of a larger effort to slash some $809,000 in salary and benefits from the authority's payroll.

Stewart added the cuts are an attempt to keep the authority's bond rate intact, and to maintain an eight month supply of unrestricted cash and an operating margin of at least 30 percent.

Those all sound like steps an entity concerned with maintaining profitability, in the face of declining revenues, would take... but one JAA member says there are also political machinations at work.

Donald Green is president of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge that represents police at the authority. He told the Business Journal the layoffs are part of a plan by Executive Director John Clark to make the JAA more attractive to possible private investors.

"He's just using this to further his agenda," Green said.

Stewart responds the authority is looking into a plan that would privatize airport concessions, with a special committee's report on the idea expected before the end of the year.

JAA is taking steps towards increased privatization just as one city official wants further controls on JAA's financial authority. City Councilman Ray Holt plans to introduce legislation next week that would hold JAA more accountable to the city on how it spends its money.

That bill would make the council "the legislative body for approving collective bargaining agreements and resolving collective bargaining impasses," reads a draft proposal. It would also limit the number of budgeted positions allowed to be privatized to 20 percent, and restrict Clark's authority to negotiate labor contracts.

"We get the sense there isn't enough respect for City Council and the public," said fellow councilman Clay Yarborough. "I question the leadership over there."

Stewart says the council's plan goes against the best interests of the city, and its airports... adding there's no need for legislative intervention.

"We think [the proposed legislation] is anti-productive in terms of operating the business, and we’ve operated the budget very soundly, and have a strong financial position," said the JAA spokesman. "But unfortunately these are difficult times that require cuts."

FMI: www.jaa.aero