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Century’s Water, Wastewater Boss Resigns; Council And Mayor Disagree Again Over Hiring Process
March 19, 2019
Century’s mayor and council once again disagreed over their hiring process during a Monday night meeting.
Water and Wastewater Superintendent Alicia Jernigan has resigned her position effective March 22. Mayor Henry Hawkins recommend that assistant Heath Burkett, who holds state certifications, be promoted into the position. He also recommended that a new desk clerk be hired from a recent pool of applicants for a billing clerk position.
But Council President Ann Brooks told the mayor he could not hire anyone without advertising the positions, and the council took no action of the recommendation for Burkett.
The council and mayor were an impasse for several weeks earlier this year over the hiring of a billing clerk. Hawkins wanted to promote from within for the position, but the council deadlocked over the promotion.
The town attorney said the council essentially has veto power to disapprove of the mayor’ choice, but the council could not direct the hiring of a person not recommended by the mayor. The council eventually interviewed the mayor’s choice and hired her as clerk.
Comments
17 Responses to “Century’s Water, Wastewater Boss Resigns; Council And Mayor Disagree Again Over Hiring Process”
The people of Century need to get out and vote at election time.if you don’t like who is running that town , you’re the only ones that can make a difference. Need to find some one qualified for the position and vote them in. Better yet, let the county take the town over, they surely can’t damage the town any worst than it is now. It’s a shame that this town is always in the news on Northescambia. I grew up in this town and with all that goes on there, it’s an embarrassment. Wonder why the town can’t grow. Stop and take a look at the mess there.
In the picture the mayor seems to not give a crap. I say kick him to the curb and put someone that cares about our town in there that can try to fix our little town.
Why can’t the idiot mayor follow the rules? They honestly need to clean house and start anew with all new people.
I think if they ignore the grand jury recommendations while the state and everyone is watching them then someone needs to have the courage to tell them.
This is your one chance. Do with it what you will….The ball is in your court. Hope you don’t continue to make ignorant and stupid decisions. Actions have consequences.
Ever heard the phrase feed them enough rope and they will hang themselves…..
I feel for the employees caught in this constant turmoil and pressure.
Arrogance and Ignorance go hand in hand.
When skilled and experienced people start to leave and only young newbies remain it’s time to re-examine what is going wrong. It may be late but you got to start somewhere.
Most of the council and mayor doesn’t seem all that concerned about the grand jury report. My first instinct was that they would put in a hiring freeze and freeze on expenses other than day to day business expenses.
I was also expecting the council to ask the gas superintendent to provide a schedule of the new meter change outs because every time they ask how it’s going…the answer is nothing can be done until such and such.
The circus is back in Town!!!
Sec. 4.05. – Powers and Duties of the Mayor.
The mayor shall:
(a)
Subject to the approval of a majority of the councilmembers, hire or appoint and, when he deems it necessary for the good of the town, suspend or remove any town employee and appointive administrative officer provided for by or under this charter, or by town ordinance, except as otherwise provided by law, this charter, or personnel rules adopted pursuant to this charter. The mayor may authorize any administrative officer, who is subject to his direction and supervision, to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in that officer’s department, office, or agency; provided, however, that such action shall have the approval of the mayor and the council;
Charter https://librarystage.municode.com/fl/century/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTICH
Although we certainly want to have running water and flush toilets, who do you really think will want to be hired here with the situation like it is?
Rats jumping ship..
It seems that the mayor doesn’t think the Grand Jury’s findings apply to him. You would think he would have brushed up on the rules and regulations of the Town Charter. But nooo…
It is evident the Mayor and the Council are not singing from the same sheet music. The citizens of Century may want to start a grassroots campaign to get rid of either the Mayor or the Council. A new Mayor or a new council could be the only way to alleviate this issue. I don’t think the Mayor has the Town of Century’s best interest st heart so I would vote to replace him.
Sinking ship. Quickly leaving. Any questions?
It is good that they have something to occupy their minds.
It would have been interesting thing, if William Shakespeare had lived in a town such as Century.
Picture of Mayor says it all ‘I Can Run This City By Myself”.
Mr. Mayor, why do you appear to be so high and mighty? Your council has spoken, do not promote within. It hasn’t worked for you yet. Maybe an outside person is the better choice. I wish nothing but the best for century and hope it turns around sooner than later!
Once again something fishy going on and the saga continues
Apparently the grand jury finding number 1 hasn’t sunk in yet ” Town officials have shown a clear lack of knowledge and understanding as to the operations of a governmental organization.”