Mistakes May Force Century To Try Again To Approve Property Tax Increase
September 27, 2019
Due to several oversights or mistakes, the Town of Century may be forced to try again to approve their property tax rate for the fiscal year that begins October 1.
Last Monday night, the town council approved a millage rate of .9204, which is about 10% greater than the rolled-back rate of .8361.
The levy of property taxes in Florida are governed by the Truth In Millage (TRIM) Act that dictates numerous steps that must be strictly followed. Improper steps can result in all state revenue being withheld for the fiscal year.
After NorthEscambia.com became aware of several possible violations of the TRIM statutes, we reached out to Interim City Manager Buz Eddy with the concerns earlier this week. Town staff contacted the Florida Department of Revenue (FDOR).
The concerns included:
- The tax increase was approved by the Century council at a meeting on Monday, September 23 . That was the same day the Escambia County Commission held their final budget meeting, but Florida law states “the hearing dates scheduled by the county commission and school board shall not be utilized by any other taxing authority within the county for its public hearings.”
- A “Notice of Proposed Tax Increase” noticed published in the Tri-City Ledger incorrectly listed two different proposed tax levy amounts.
- The “Notice of Proposed Tax Increase” newspaper ad was the missing the statement “A FINAL DECISION on the proposed tax increase and the budget will be made at this hearing” as required by the FDOR.
In addition, the town discovered in conversation with the Florida Department of Revenue that they may be required to hold another meeting since there were only three council members in attendance at the meeting last Monday, according to Eddy.
“We may need to readvertise and hold another meeting since there were only 3 council members in attendance,” Eddy wrote in an email to council members and NorthEcambia.com “We were advised by Mr. (Wyatt) Peters (FDOR) that we should submit our documents to his office for review. He will comment and advise as to other action that needs to be taken.”
“We are following up and we will let you know what adjustments are required,” Eddy concluded.
Pictured: Century council members Ann Brooks (left) and Sandra McMurray-Jackson await the arrival of councilman Luis Gomez in order to conduct a budget hearing Monday night. Gomez was running only about threes minutes late, and the council proceeded with three of five members at the table. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Farm Family Of The Year, Other Awards Presented
September 27, 2019
Scott and Alyssa Walker of Oak Grove were recognized as the 2019 Escambia County Farm Family during the annual Escambia County Farm Bureau meeting Thursday night at Molino Park Elementary School
Brett and Heath Ward received the “This Farm Cares” recognition for their use of best management practices on their cotton, peanut, corn and cattle farm.
Escambia County Farm Bureau Federation administrative assistant Katrina Sanford was recognized for outstanding contributions to rural Escambia county. She works in the Farm Bureau’s Molino Office.
Pictured top: The Scott and Alyssa Walker family, named the Pictured below: Brett Ward (far left) and Heath Ward (far right) receive the This Farm Cares recognition. Pictured bottom: Katrina Sanford. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Mobile Home
September 27, 2019
Fire destroyed a mobile home in Cantonment Thursday evening.
One person reportedly suffered minor injuries in the blaze in the 600 block of Old Novak Road.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Florida Forest Service Urges Caution As Dry Conditions Elevate Wildfire Threat
September 27, 2019
The Florida Forest Service is urging Floridians to exercise caution as record high temperatures and dry conditions are expected to continue throughout the state, elevating the fire danger level.
“Florida’s dry conditions and high temperatures pose elevated wildfire threats throughout the state. I encourage all Floridians and visitors to be vigilant and cautious with all outdoor fire,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “When citizens exercise caution, they’re doing more than just protecting themselves and their property – they’re helping protect the lives of Florida’s wildland firefighters and first responders.”
While lightning is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Florida, most of the wildfires this year have been human-caused and many were caused by escaped yard debris burning.
The Florida Forest Service is urging the public to avoid yard debris burning due to the elevated fire threat and to use extreme caution when using fire outdoors, including campfires and grills. The following are recommendations to minimize the threat of wildfires:
- Never burn on dry, windy days;
- Never leave a fire or outdoor heat source unattended;
- Keep a water source and a shovel or suppression tool on-hand;
- Completely extinguish any fire before leaving it;
- Avoid parking over dry, grassy areas;
- Ensure chainsaws, off-highway vehicles, and motorcycles have spark arrestors.
Since January, the Florida Forest Service has battled 1,475 wildfires that have burned 89,105 acres.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Reminder: Crews To Replace Highway 29 Railroad Crossing In Cantonment This Weekend
September 27, 2019
Crews will replace the Highway 29 railroad crossing at International Paper in Cantonment this weekend, and that will lead to traffic delays.
North and southbound Highway traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction south of Muscogee Road in Cantonment from 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 to 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30 as crews replace the CSX railroad crossing. During the crossing work, crews will stop traffic in two intervals for approximately 15 minutes to move the new rails into place.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Pictured: This railroad crossing on Highway 29 in Cantonment will be replaced this weekend. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
JV Football: Baker Tops Northview (With Photo Gallery)
September 27, 2019
The Baker Gators defeated the Northview Chiefs 52-12 in Thursday night junior varsity play.
The JV Chiefs will head north to Escambia County High School in Atmore Monday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Health Officials Issue Alert For Escambia Surface Waters
September 26, 2019
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has issued a health alert for the potential presence of cyanotoxins in surface waters of Escambia County. Cyanotoxins are toxins that can be produced by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
Recent water testing conducted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on September 23 showed very low levels of the cyanotoxin called Microcystin in Eleven Mile Creek downstream of the Mobile Highway bridge. The Microcystin level of 1.09 micrograms per liter is just above the laboratory method detection limit (capability of lab equipment to detect presence), but well below the level of 8.0 micrograms per liter which is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommended basis for issuing a swimming advisory.
Blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can grow in Florida’s freshwater bodies. Large concentrations of these algae, called blooms, can change the water color to blue, green, brown, orange, or red. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Blue-green algae can grow rapidly and sometimes form a foamy surface scum and an unpleasant odor. Because algae blooms can remove oxygen from the water, fish kills can occur.
Don’t swallow, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski, or boat in waters where there are algae blooms. Algae blooms can cause ear, eye, and skin reactions and hay fever and flu-like symptoms like diarrhea. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
Keep pets away from any area where there is an algae bloom and do not let them drink from water sources that are having algae blooms. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
Fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms are safe to eat. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish well. Do not eat shellfish from such locations.
FHP: Dump Truck Driver Runs Red Light, Hits Work Van In Cantonment
September 26, 2019
Troopers say a dump truck driver ran a red light and slammed into a work van in Cantonment Thursday afternoon.
Franklin D. Sutton, age 37 of Milton was headed south on Highway 29 when he failed to stop at a red traffic signal, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His dump truck collided with Chevrolet Express work van driven by 42-year old William Stearns of Cantonment.
Stearns was briefly trapped in the vehicle and was extricated by firefighters. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with serious injuries. His passenger, 32-year old Jonathan Robinson of Pensacola, was taken to Baptist Hospital with minor injuries.
The FHP cited Sutton for failing to stop at a steady red light.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Feds Arrest Five In Local Dogfighting Ring Investigation
September 26, 2019
Five individuals have been arrested on a 44-count federal indictment charging violations of the dogfighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, and conspiracy to commit those violations.
Shane Patrick Sprague, 35, of Pensacola, Derek Jedidiah Golson, aka Derek Jedidiah Murray, 38, of Pensacola, Haley Cook Murph, 24, of Milton, Florida, David Lee Moser, 36, of Waynesboro, Tennessee, and James “Tommy” Peek, 67, of Milton, Florida were indicted a the case involving C Wood Kennels in Pensacola, Florida.
The indictment alleges that defendants Sprague and Golson operated C Wood Kennels, a dogfighting operation that arranged dogfights, allowed fighting dogs to attack “bait” animals, and trafficked in fighting dogs with defendant Moser and others outside of Florida, including through an underground dogfighting website. The indictment further alleges that defendant Peek acted as a source to supply fighting dogs to C Wood Kennels.
According to the indictment, defendant Murph’s role was that of a makeshift “veterinarian” for C Wood Kennels. Although Murph at no time possessed a veterinary license, she offered to and did perform veterinary and surgical procedures on fighting dogs so the kennel could avoid the scrutiny of a licensed veterinarian. The defendant also possessed veterinary equipment used to treat injured fighting dogs, including skin staplers, sutures, intravenous bags and lines, scalpels, and injectable animal steroids.
“As this case demonstrates, we are aggressively prosecuting dogfighters and those who support their inhumane criminal enterprises – including unscrupulous veterinarians or veterinary poseurs,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We thank our federal and local law enforcement partners who made this operation possible.”
“Dogfighting is a blight on humanity, one that has no place in the Northern District of Florida or anywhere else,” said U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe of the Northern District of Florida. “We will continue to work with federal and local law enforcement agencies to root out this barbaric blood sport, in Florida and beyond.”
“The provisions of the Animal Welfare Act were designed to protect animals from being used in illegal fighting ventures, which often entail other forms of criminal activity involving drugs, firearms, and gambling,” said Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG). “Animal fighting is an investigative priority for USDA-OIG, and together with the Department of Justice we will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and assist in the criminal prosecution of those who participate in animal fighting ventures.”
The federal Animal Welfare Act makes it a felony to sponsor or exhibit an animal in an animal fighting venture and to possess, train, sell, purchase, transport, deliver or receive an animal for purposes of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture.
Pictured: Law enforcement and the ASPCA conducted an operation in the 7000 block of Beulah Road in July 2018. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Meeting Of The Minds: Senator, Others Brainstorm How To Save Century’s Failing Sewage Plant
September 26, 2019
[A NorthEscambia.com exclusive] Numerous state and local officials descended upon the sewage treatment plant in Century Wednesday. They were there to see firsthand just how bad the facility’s problems are, and talk about violations and enforcement actions. But moreso, they were there to see just how the group could come together to fix a facility that is suffering from neglect in its old age.
“Is there some place we could find a little bit of shade?” Florida Sen. Doug Broxson asked as the group arrived in a parking lot in front of a concrete block building. Most never noticed a plaque on the wall that told the story of the beginnings of the facility.
“Town of Century Wastewater System” it began, with list of town officials. Mayor Edward Ross. Town Clerk Ray Lawson, Council members that included Benny Barnes, Jerry Fischer and Marie McMurray. And town planner Debbie Nickles, who still works for the town. But at the bottom was the most important prelude to Wednesday’s meeting.
The dedication date: June 15, 1990.
That’s the real problem that has become a huge thorn in Century’s side. The plant has operated with very little preventative or routine maintenance since it opened coming up on 30 years ago. Much like never, ever changing the oil in car.
The plant operated 10,694 days leading up to Wednesday with many mechanical parts pumping, churning, filtering, spraying and moving wastewater through the cleaning process and into the Escambia River. But town officials over many previous administrations have failed to ever “change the oil” and invest dollars back into maintenance. Now major parts of the facility have failed.
The Town of Century Wastewater Treatment Facility — the Century WWTF as it is officially known — has operated without a state permit since last year. The list of environmental violations are long, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has sent warning letters totalling dozens of pages. The DEP is now talking in serious terms like consent orders and a path that could even lead to the court system or the federal EPA if something is not done. Simply put, it’s bad.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Wednesday’s group crowded into a little shade created by an equipment shed, hiding from the midday sun. There was no missing that there was an unpleasant odor in the air, but it was not as bad as might be imagined from a sewage plant that handles not only the waste from town residents but also the 1,350 or so guests at the Century Correctional Institution.
Bright red signs propped against a building nearby warned that it is a “Class B Biosolids Site. Public Access Prohibited” as Sen Broxson started a meeting that included Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry, ECUA Member Larry Walker, several DEP staffers including Director Shawn Hamilton, Florida Rural Water, the Northwest Florida Water Management District, engineers…a lot of important titles, smart minds and logoed shirts.
The group faced Century Mayor Henry Hawkins, new Interim City Manager Buz Eddy and new Interim Natural Gas Supervisor Vernon Prather. Prather isn’t just a gas guy; he holds a wastewater operator permit.
NorthEscambia.com was the only media present for the brainstorming session.
Century WWTF operator Heath Burkett (pictured left) stood in the back. He took over the facility a few months ago, inheriting all the serious deficiencies as they already existed from years, even decades, prior.
“That’s an air pressure leak you hear,” Burkett said as detailed problems at the plant.
“There’s a lot going on here. This is your chance to get the county, the state and other authorities involved in solving your issues,” Broxson told the mayor and his staff, “all these things that we need to help our neighbors get on their feet.”
They detailed major issues and started a running cost list for equipment repair or replacement. The estimated bottom line? It was staggering on the scale of Town of Century economics: $4 million dollars.
“I believe the county can do about $400,000,” Barry, the District 5 commissioner, said.
“And I think the state can also do about $400,000,” Broxson said.
Those dollars will, if all goes as hoped, provided matching funds required for grants and perhaps state loans.
“Our goal is to make this a system just like the best system in the state,” Broxson said during the 90 minute meeting. “And once we do that, we have options. But the best option might not be for the city of Century to operate this.”
In fact, Broxson said, he foresees ECUA taking over the wastewater plant once it is repaired.
“If that’s the end idea, the end goal for ECUA to take it over, then all these repairs and replacements better be done now according to ECUA standards,” ECUA’s Walker (pictured left) said.
Broxson also touched on Century’s other serious financial problems, especially those of the gas department.
“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.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com will continue to look into the Century Wastewater Treatment Facility and other issues in upcoming stories.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
