JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The mayor's office and the city council are at odds whether it was an emergency to buy two water taxis after the company that provided the service pulled out after its contract ran out.
On Thursday the city expects delivery of one water taxi it purchased. No time line on when the other will arrive.
The mayor's office last week acted by approving a $338,000 purchase as an emergency to fill the gap in service. On Tuesday night, the city council balked when asked to approve the spending. Council committees will now look at how the deal was put together.
"The city staff completely dropped the ball on this and we are in one heck of a position right now," said Council John Crescimbeni who doesn't believe the city should be in the water taxi business.
"Right now we're continuing to review last night's council action," said Pam Roman who is the spokesperson for Parks and Recreation.
Earlier this week the mayor's office said it hoped to have water taxi service in place for this weekend's Florida Country Superfest which will bring thousands to EverBank Field.
