The Times-Union

The full JEA Board of Directors will leave their positions by the end of February, Mayor Lenny Curry’s office announced Tuesday.

The news Tuesday comes after months of discussion of possibly privatizing JEA. The board approved exploring privatization in July. The board ended those talks and canceled the invitation to negotiate process with potential bidders in December after criticism mounted from the public and the City Council.

RELATED | JEA Board fires CEO Aaron Zahn with cause

Curry’s statement read:

“I’ve talked to Fred Newbill, Camille Lee-Johnson, Dane Grey and Henry Brown and each informed me it is their desire to end their service with the JEA Board of Directors. I have asked all board members, including April Green who resigned earlier today, to continue to serve until the end of February, and all agreed. Kelly Flanagan will also continue her service until her term expires on February 28th.

To the Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your dedication and service throughout your individual terms. I am grateful for your time, contributions and the incredible commitment this has required.

Moving forward, I will work with City Council to identify and appoint a new executive Board of Directors as soon as possible. Understanding that among their first orders of business will be rebuilding public trust and strengthening the future of this vital and valued community asset.

In conclusion, I am confident there is a positive path forward and I am focused on working together for the best interests of all citizens.“

RELATED | Read more about the JEA sale controversies here

Earlier Tuesday, the board voted to fire CEO Aaron Zahn with cause. That came after the Office of General Counsel told the JEA board that its investigation into Zahn found evidence he could be fired with cause, allowing the board to fire him without paying his severance package.

At the end of the meeting, Board Chair April Green said she was resigning. The mayor’s announcement came a few hours later.