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Century Drops Budget Workshop Over Missed Public Notice
July 19, 2018
The Town of Century has dropped a budget workshop planned for today after public notice issues were raised.
At council meetings on July 2 and July 16, it was noted that a budget workshop would be set for today, July 19. By Wednesday, no public notice had been posted or sent to the media for publication.
In an email Wednesday morning to council members and Mayor Henry Hawkins, Town Clerk Kim Godwin stated that “The Government in the Sunshine Manual” states 24 hours notice is needed and posting of the notice by 4 p.m. would satisfy requirements.
However, the 2018 edition of Florida’s “Government in the Sunshine Manual” states, “Except in the case of emergency or special meetings, notice should be provided at least 7 days prior to the meeting. Emergency sessions should be afforded the most appropriate and effective notice under the circumstances.”
The Sunshine Manual states that special meetings should have no less than 24 and “preferably” at least 72 hours notice to the public.
The manual also notes that press releases and contact with the local news media “is highly effective in providing notice of upcoming meetings.” NorthEscambia.com publishes those notices at no charge to the Town of Century as a public service.
In 2016, four members of the Citizens Advisory Task Force, which served at the pleasure of the council, were charged by the State Attorney’s Office with violating the Florida Government in the Sunshine Law. The town was notified at that time in writing by Chief Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille of the public notice requirements as set forth by Florida law.
Comments
6 Responses to “Century Drops Budget Workshop Over Missed Public Notice”
Seems like the “hand picked” Town Clerk isn’t up to her responsibilities.
The new motto for the town of Century, “We’re always behind by 100 years, welcome to Century”.
Dropped the ball just before dropping the meeting.
It happens.
Just Curious, the article makes it clear the Town Clerk is responsible.
@ Just Curious
Hey, I actually read the email letter in the article it would appear that a Kimberly K Godwin, Town Clerk is the one who “…had not posted the Public Notice for the Budget Workshop…”.
Hope that answers your question as to “responsibility” and it sounds as if Ms. Godwin has handled this appropriately by informing others of the missed deadline.
So who’s responsibility is it to make sure these notices get published? Seems like this has happened a couple other times.
This is not a name bashing question. Just curious if there is a particular person, or position, that is responsible for doing this. If not, perhaps that needs to be the next decision maker.