“You can’t continue to go down the trail you’re on,” Broxson said. “When your assets are outweighed by your liabilities, that presents a problem. I know you are not quite there yet on paper, but if we can’t help you stand this process up — your gas, your water and sewer, then…there are some pretty bleak options for you….I’ve talked to Rep. (Mike) Hill about our delegation decision that if the city were to continue to go down this road of financial distress, there are bad options for you. And I don’t want those options.”

Of interest is how Cedar Grove’s municipal employees were terminated or absorbed into Bay County. Also, a plan had to be developed regarding debts, zoning, policing, and utilities. By statute, Bay County had to take over.

It’s an interesting document to read. And it may be a pathway to ultimately solve many of Century’s governmental issues.

If I recall correctly, Mayor Ross wrote to then Governor Bob Martinez for help. As the story goes, the Governor received the letter and asked, “Where is Century?” He had never heard of the town.

Governor Martinez actually came to Century to see for himself. His visit was big news.

In the next legislative session, funds were appropriated to build a new wastewater plant. There was all kinds of hope that having a new and modern wastewater plant would help to facilitate new economic development, and that Century was turning a corner.

The lessons here are: There have been local, state, and federal investments in Century. Even if new public investments are made, the town does not have the financial capabilities nor, perhaps, the expertise, to maintain or replace without further federal, state, or county aid.

A decision needs to be made about the future of the very existence if the government of Century. Senator Broxson doesn’t need to make this decision. The people, by referendum, need to make the decision about the town’s future.