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Century Council Seeks Help After Grand Jury Recommendations

At their first meeting after the release of a scathing grand jury report that found gross mismanagement, the Century Town Council is reaching out to the Florida League of Cities for help.

The grand jury found that the town of Century is in a state of financial emergency, and the current administration and council have failed to act in the best interest of the community. “Town officials have shown a clear lack of knowledge and understanding as to the operations of a governmental organization,” the grand jury report stated.

The council voted unanimously Monday night to accept help from the Florida League of Cities and Bob Inzer, the League’s financial advisor.

“He is available to travel from Tallahassee to spend two or three days making an assessment of the Town’s needs and developing a plan to implement the needs. The Florida League of Cities would send Bob Inzer to Century at no cost to the Town,” Ann Brooks, council president, said. It is expected that he will complete his review by mid-April.

After completion of the review report and recommended plan of action, the council will decide if they need to employ a consultant to perform an operational audit and make recommended changes.

At Monday night’s meeting, the council did not directly address any of the other recommendations and findings by the grand jury, including recommendations that the town divest the water, sewer and gas departments.

The grand jury findings were as follows:

1. We find that the Town of Century is in a state of financial emergency. The current administration and Council have failed to act in the best interest of the community. Town officials have shown a clear lack of knowledge and understanding as to the operations of a governmental organization.

2. The current administration and Council have failed to prepare and approve a budget that is realistic or financially solvent.

3. We find that the administration and Council have improperly borrowed funds from the gas tax account and the Local Option Sales Tax account.

4. We find that there has been a lack of accountability between the Mayor and supervisors and between supervisors and employees.

5. We find that the Mayor has failed to follow proper procedure when approving the use of Town equipment and manpower on private property. This appears to be as a result of a misunderstanding of public purpose and the definition of private and public property. Regular consultation with the Town’s attorney may prevent this type of misunderstanding in the future.

6. We recommend that Century sell the assets of its utility services, sanitation, natural gas, and water and sewer, and use the proceeds to repay the amounts borrowed from the restricted fund. The loss of
customers and problems with the operation of these services make it unlikely that they can ever consistently produce a profit for the Town in the future.

7. Amendments should be made to the Charter or ordinances to provide that the Town will be solely responsible for roads, parks, and land use programs.

8. We recommend that this matter be brought to the attention of the State Auditor General’s Office and that forensic financial audits be done for the past five years. Any irregularities should be referred lo the appropriate agencies, including professional licensing boards if such action is warranted. All contracts for third party professional services should be audited as well.

9. We recommend that Century seek the assistance of a municipal consulting firm to assist in the development of policies and procedures. As part of this process we recommend that an operational audit be done. These policies should provide both job descriptions and salary ranges. All employee benefits should be consistent with industry standards. Employee handbooks should be updated and should contain an anti-nepotism provision. The Florida League of Cities may be able to assist in this matter.

10. All loans by Century should be clearly listed on all appropriate financial statements. No person who has an outstanding loan from the Town should be able to run for any Century public office. Loans should not be made to any Town employee or official.

11.We have heard testimony that there is a lack of written contracts and that contracts do not have expiration dates. All contracts should be reviewed and amended as necessary. All businesses or individuals providing professional services to the Town should have written contracts containing appropriate expiration dates.

12.We recommend additional training in the area of Sunshine and Public Records. This may be done by the Town’s attorney, the First Amendment Foundation or the Attorney General’s Office. We request that the Office of the State Attorney continue to investigate allegations of missing public records as well as the failure to properly respond to public records requests.

13.We recommend that before funds are spent that they be clearly allocated and approved. We have heard testimony that economic development funds may have been spent without proper county approval. In addition, all expenditures must comply with the limitations set forth in the Town Charter.

14.The State of Florida and Escambia County should investigate the misappropriation of gas tax and LOST funds.

15.Spending restrictions should be placed on any funds provided by outside governmental entities that are not otherwise limited in their use. Prior approval should be obtained by the Town before these funds are spent. Specifically, before any funds provided to the Town of Century by Escambia County can be spent, the County should review the proposed expenditure and determine that such expenditure is appropriate.

NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.