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Century Council Members Split On Strategy To Nearly Double Water Rates
March 11, 2026
Water bills are going to increase significantly in Century, but just how much, and how fast, is under discussion.
As we reported last week, Town of Century water system customers are facing a potential rate hike that would nearly double the cost of water usage, alongside smaller increases for wastewater.
Tuesday evening, the Century Town Council held a public meeting to hear input from citizens, but only one resident showed up.
A rate study from the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) showed the town must raise rates in order to remain financially viable and make payments on six outstanding loans.
FRWA presented two rate hike recommendations: one with a large increase now, and the second with three small increases over the next two-and-a-half years that will actually cost consumers more.
The first scenario would double the current base rate for 2,000 gallons from the current $13.59 to $26.64 beginning April 1 and continue for three years before incremental increases to $29.11 in 2029. Usage tiers over 2,000 gallons a month would nearly double for up to 5,000 gallons (from $2.59 to $5.08) with other increases for additional usage. For an average customer using an average 5,000 gallons of water per month, the water cost would rise from $21.36 to $41.87, while the study says the combined water and wastewater cost would rise from $48.95 per month to $70.84 in April, with additional increases to $80.56 by 2029. That study says that is comparable to other towns of similar size.
In the second scenario presented by the FRWA, there would be three smaller increases — April 1, 2026; October 1, 2026; and October 1, 2027. Under the second option, the base rate would increase from $13.59 for 2,000 gallons to $20.39 before going to $25.48 in 2027 and $29.74 by 2029. The average user consuming 5,000 gallons per month would see their water and wastewater bill increase from a current $48.95 to $61.01 in April and eventually $81.95 in 2029 for water and wastewater.
Tuesday, two council members — Henry Cunningham and John Bass — expressed an inclination to choose the multi-step second scenario, while the other three members of the board said they prefer the first scenario.
The one citizen in attendance said she would choose the first scenario with the big rate increase on April 1.
“I would do one and get it over with,” Emma Fletcher said. “But I know a lot of people in Century won’t be able to afford (it).”
Bass and Cunningham both mentioned concerns about the impact on the elderly and households with small fixed incomes.
“I know it’s going to be hard,” Bass said. “There is going to be a lot of people… that get their water cut off, and they won’t be paying anything.”
The council is set to choose one of the rate increases at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:15 p.m.
Pictured: Century council member John Bass (top) and Mayor Ben Boutwell (inset) review a water rate study Tuesday evening. Pictured: Council members Sparkie Harrison, Dynette Lewis, and Henry Cunningham at the meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
11 Responses to “Century Council Members Split On Strategy To Nearly Double Water Rates”
Since everyone is on a fixed income,alcohol cigarettes,junk food, lottery tickets, and Windcreek iare in trouble.
Years of mismanagement have finally come home to roost. The town has been over for a long time…let it die.
I agree with IMHO. It’s true, no one cares about Century. Years ago when there was so many rumors swirling around about the unethical things that were going on at the Town of Century, I wrote a letter to Tallahassee trying to get them to take a look at Century; just to see if they would investigate. I heard nothing from them. When Century is looked at by Escambia County and Tallahassee, all they see is the demographical makeup of the town, which in turn, is why Century is not given a second thought. The county and state wants the tax dollars but they couldn’t care less about what happens in Century. And then when you have people in positions that take money from the town and suffer no consequences, that is sad. And this very thing that happened a few months ago, it was not a unique situation. All that the citizens of Century want at the end of the day, is to be treated fairly, and it is not fair for them to have to pay for infractions that are committed by others. There isn’t a business, town or organization that can be profitable or sustainable without having great leadership, sound practices and honest people in charge. Not pointing any fingers, but Century has been lacking in all for years and years. I guess the chickens have finally come home to roost.
If you have a patient with a necrotic leg. You don’t bleed the good leg out trying to save it. You cut it off and let it die. So the rest can be saved. Life is tough. It’s not fair. Not all will make it. Sometimes you have to cut your losses.
@jd
If the municipality were dissolved, the outcome would likely be:
Escambia County BCC: Streets, stormwater management, parks, code enforcement, governance. (Already controls law enforcement, fire, voting, tax collection, appraiser, building permitting/inspections, library, public records). No fixed interlocal agreements needed on the local option or fuel tax revenue sharing. Grants management would be county administered.
ECUA, Private Sector, or Non-Profit Utility: water and sewer.
Pensacola Energy, Private Sector, or Non-profit Utility: gas utility.
Local residents may lose self local governance, but I doubt the sense of community would be lost. Besides, just one non-official came to this meeting, reflecting a lack of interest in municipal governance across the community.
Is it really worth the hassle to have a municipal government for only 1,400 people when other larger and better financed entities can administer these systems with greater automation and cost effectiveness?
I think what Century’s government is doing right now is a very noble effort. Unfortunately, it is probably not the most cost effective or efficient way to move the community forward with its services. Too much is grand and appropriation dependent. I think absorbing these expenses into the operations of the county or profit/non-prfit specialty organizations would improve the community a lot as far as infrastructure is concerned.
Maybe a special assessment needs to be made on all property for x number of years to pay for infrastructure upgrades. And rates need to reflect the cost of treating and delivering water service.
In reading the stories associated with this issue, it seems that all costs are being placed on usage.
Special assessments could be based on frontage of property along the lines. That is very different from use fees.
For those leaning towards the second scenario, I would just offer that kicking the can down the road rarely solves the problems. One of those problems is the population is not sufficient to finance a city. Give up the charter and return to county rule.
To ImHo I agree. We used to attend all the meetings. They are going to do what they want anyway, We do live on a small fixed income and I am not sure how we can manage. It’s sad to get old and barely make end meet and no one cares;
So SMW, who do you think should pay to keep the water on, or just let Century borrow more money and go farther in det. They already have six loans.
This is sad. Majority of the folks that live in Century already cannot afford anything. Now you raise the price of the sucky garbage pickup and are going to double the water bills. A lot of people that live in this area if you look around are below poverty levels. How do you expect them to pay for this? Oh- I guess it would be the others of us that work and actually pay taxes to cover it? I don’t think so! We pay a lot of taxes in the city limits of Century and our services are CRAP! From the sucky water, the internet, the garbage and how about our streets? They are like playing frogger with the big pot holes! NOBODY cares! NOBODY! I want to see the Mayor out walking the streets going door to door making himself available to those who actually work to be able to speak with him! I am all for the greater good but when only certain areas get the upgrades- well that isn’t right! You come from other states and Welcome to Century sign and then look around at the horrible streets, buildings, etc. Just my 2 cents
Why should anyone attend? Nothing anyone says will change it….