Comments on: Century May Strip Power From The Mayor, Hire Town Manager With Charter Change

By: Mr.Sherpent

Mr.Sherpent — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 22:12:11 +0000

I know a few people that worked there personally and the way that place is being operated is pathetic It’s the council members going against the city clerk I’ve attended plenty meetings the council members should be more open minded to and for the city of Century but it seems they operate within the liking of people they actually know and amongst each other it’s sad that once the town finally got an all black council nothing has happened they even pay their employees the bare minimum and have yet to give them a reasonable raise what’s $10-$11 for a city worker I wouldn’t be working for them you never see the mayor or the workers in the back it’s always the front workers have them doing all the physical work mean while residents can’t even get a notary done it’s down right laziness makes you wonder who’s in charge is it the council the mayor or the town clerk can’t get the bills out on time nor get a accurate meter reading. This town is a joke

By: sam

sam — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 15:49:41 +0000

Close Century down. Sell the town to Alabama. that way the state would fix hwy 29 through whatever we want to call this place. I’m thinking 20 dollars should cover it. then again alabama would want century to PAY them to take it. Oh well.

By: Citizen

Citizen — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 03:06:34 +0000

Yes it looks like the CATF, never brought forth the recommendation to the council for a vote and to get it on the ballot. Makes you wonder what these 2 want. I used to think it was for the 2nd signature for the CTA.

I doubt anything will be on the ballot early 2023.

https://www.northescambia.com/2022/08/big-changes-proposed-for-centurys-government-in-draft-charter

By: JDR

JDR — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 01:28:52 +0000

I think a couple of you commenters need to re-read the article. The committee suggested keeping the mayor position as a strong arm mayor, and not hiring a town manager. I agree, there is no need for a mayor in our small town, to have a hand shaking job. Which is what the mayor position would essentially be if they hired a town manager. Sounds like the committee actually came up with good changes to the charter by imposing term limits etc.. but Century will probably do what they always do and mess it all up go a totally different direction and continue to be embattled and laughed at in the news. So essentially the whole thing will be for nothing.

By: M in Bratt

M in Bratt — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 21:16:05 +0000

TOC never ceases to amaze and amuse me; There was a duly appointed Charter Commission seated for years (which Prather was an advisor to). At the meeting where TOC council was supposed to consider the recommendations of this Charter Commission, Prather (Gulf Breeze), and Dannheisser (Gulf Breeze) bring forth their own version of what should be put on the ballot. This brings several questions to mind; what motivated these two to do a end run on the Charter Commission?; did TOC pay for these recommendations, or did these two come up with them on their own?; What standing do these two have to bring anything to the council floor?. TOC stays in almost constant violation of laws and rules with these two on the payroll advising them, so would somebody tell me what either of them have accomplished that is in the best interests of TOC.

By: tg

tg — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 19:02:51 +0000

Have a Drawing for Mayor and Council outcome would be the same.

By: Citizen

Citizen — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 17:21:47 +0000

Vicky
If disincorporated, it will go to ECUA most likely and the rates will increase tremedously. The cost to run street lights will be put on property owners.

The county can assess an MSBU which is additional money on property tax to pay for services. A municipality that gets it’s power from the state also is eligible to get funding for waste water improvesments as well as potable water and more.

Several other counties and cities east of here just got rewarded funds from the Govoner.

If people in charge would implement what we already have, report the audit to the state on time like it’s supposed to be then the residents are better off.

Do what it takes to get FDOT to get the road paved through here.

Get staff to look around and be proactive with workorders straighten up signs and getting crappy looking stuff off of the sides of the roadway.

We’ve put up with incompetence for a while. Tighten up.

You gonna be dumb..you gotta be tough.

By: Vicky

Vicky — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:30:59 +0000

Just get rid of it all convert it to county and put the money where it is needed instead in all their pockets. Our town is a laughing stock it’s time to do something else! Ben Boutwell is a very good Mayor but we need change.

By: Citizen

Citizen — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:26:32 +0000

I think the manager would not have to be a resident, I think part of the problem is there is a lack of talent to draw from currently with skills to properly manage all aspects of wastewater, potable water, gas, streets, budget residing with in the population.

Collectively they may be able to pull this off, especially if another will strep up or be appointed to vacancies on the council.

I don’t think the manager would be elected. The drawback is because he doesn’t live here he may be more inclined to increase taxes or rates but keep the council to keep that in check.

Running properly – there is balance between the powers set forth in the charter.

For instance right now the charter states the president of the council is supposed to set the agenda.

Looks like the clerk does now?

Wheres the mayor?

By: Citizen

Citizen — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:09:57 +0000

Century needs to hire a competent manager, like Prather was, who understands how to manage a municipality complete with strong knowledge of utilities and FL Statutes and common sense. A council can keep him in check. I think a mayor being a voting member will be fine.

Keeping a viable incorporation will be best for the residents.

If it’s on the ballot, I’ll vote for it.