News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Gov. Rick Scott Vetoes GRU Overhaul Bill

The Gainesville Regional Utilities administration building is located at 301 SE 4th Ave. in Gainesville. (WUFT News)
The Gainesville Regional Utilities administration building is located at 301 SE 4th Ave. in Gainesville. (WUFT News)

Governor Scott vetoed a bill today that would have established a new, independent governing body to manage and operate Gainesville Regional Utilities.

The utility service, owned by the city of Gainesville, is currently managed by the city commission.

House Bill 1355 would have handed over the commission's authority to an independent five-person board, to be nominated by the commission.

The board would have been made up of two residents and three experts whose specialties would range from economics to engineering.

The bill was approved by the Florida House and Senate, but Scott found fault in the salaries board members would earn - about $18,000 annually.

In a letter to Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, Scott argued that hundreds of appointees serve on governing boards across Florida without being paid for it, and they do a good enough job.

 

Martin is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.