State: Century’s Public Notice Of A Tax Increase Violated State Law

October 30, 2019

Century’s public notice of a tax increase last month violated state law according to the Florida Department of Revenue,  forcing the town to try again.

In September, 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 is 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. Town staff contacted the Florida Department of Revenue which has determined the notice did in fact violate state law.

The town will redo a public hearing to consider the tax increase on Monday, November 4 at 6:31 p.m. — over a month after the new fiscal year and budget started on October 1.

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 September 23. 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.

Comments

17 Responses to “State: Century’s Public Notice Of A Tax Increase Violated State Law”

  1. Bewildered on November 1st, 2019 8:57 am

    I love David’s comment: ”they are in these positions because you voted them in. “
    Just like Washington D.C. – most of them have been there lying, cheating and manipulating year after year because we vote them in over and over again.

  2. Wayne on October 31st, 2019 10:39 am

    Is the town council still giving out loans, and if so can I get one and dont let the public know about it

  3. Stacy seale on October 31st, 2019 7:00 am

    You folks need to go ahead and five the town over to some people who arent gonna steal from it you council members have finally killed century congrats

  4. Bob on October 30th, 2019 8:55 pm

    At least the board members got their personal loans from the city. They are not that stupid!!!

  5. Wayne J. on October 30th, 2019 5:24 pm

    Try and Try again. Take up the slack Buzz and get it right. Just saying .

  6. chris on October 30th, 2019 4:53 pm

    “Did they just wake up one day and become ignorant of procedures”
    No I’m confident the ignorance has been going on for awhile. But then again, ignorance is said to be bliss, so at least they will be very happy.

  7. shaking my head on October 30th, 2019 11:58 am

    I want to know WHY all these problems have been happening in the last couple years? What about previous years? Some of these admin people have been there for YEARS! Did they just wake up one day and become ignorant of procedures?

    Just remember folks, you voted these people into office.

  8. Big Al on October 30th, 2019 11:23 am

    Looks to me that Century needs to hire a new attorney, because the one they have may not know enough about the laws of Fl. Looks like each time Century dose anything it’s wrong

  9. Sandra on October 30th, 2019 10:26 am

    Looks like William could do a better job as interim city manager. Buz is repeating the mistakes that he was hired to correct.

  10. Gene on October 30th, 2019 9:15 am

    William… are the Council member payed positions?

  11. David on October 30th, 2019 9:06 am

    They are in their position because YOU VOTED THEM IN
    That means your opinions of anything knowledgeable on any subject is just as bad as what you monkeys continually gripe about
    They are a representative of each person being they were voted in by you
    So..tell us…who is really the problem in Century
    And let me know on this forum by whining and complaining

  12. retired on October 30th, 2019 8:58 am

    why can’t we redo the town council ???????????

  13. Century resident on October 30th, 2019 8:51 am

    How exactly do they hold these positions and cant run our town or follow proper procedure. When does their screw up finally cost them their job. #timetopurgecenturycounsel

  14. juat sayin on October 30th, 2019 8:40 am

    Really? Imagine that!!

  15. sam on October 30th, 2019 7:35 am

    lol, the city officials won’t like that. they like to do their dirty work in the dark like roaches. now the public MAY show up and express their anger.

  16. Oversight on October 30th, 2019 7:05 am

    Century is not getting its money’s worth with good ol’ Buz. Any mistakes under his direction, which cause do over costs should be deducted by the town from his consulting fees to cover them.

  17. Bob on October 30th, 2019 5:26 am

    I did not see that one coming. And up to this point everyone has done such a fine job of running the town…

    Incompetent and corrupt Mayor and town council!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News