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Eddy Wants To Scrap Century City Manager Applications, Hire His Former Coworker For Now
November 17, 2019
Century Interim Town Manager Buz Eddy wants to scrap applications received for a permanent town manager and instead hire his former coworker on a longer term interim basis.
Vernon Prather began working for the town on a consulting basis as part of a $35 an hour package deal when now Eddy came on board in July.
Prather served Gulf Breeze in various positions from 2006 to 2017, including director of public services, operations consultant and assistant city manager, while Eddy retired as Gulf Breeze city manager in 2017 after 25 years on the job.
Five applications, including Prather’s, were received for the job of permanent Century city manager. Eddy did not apply, telling the town council that he would stick around until a replacement could be hired.
In a memo to be considered Monday night by the Century Town Council, Eddy recommends that Prather be moved from interim gas superintendent to interim town manager and an employment contract be drafted for council approval.
Eddy says in his memo that he believes there will more interest in the town manager position after the Century Charter Review Committee completes its work. The committee will consider making a charter change to official establish a city manager position. Significant changes would require voter approval next year.
Eddy also says Prather is working on several town projects currently, including water, wastewater and gas improvements. He holds certified water and wastewater treatment plant certifications.
“There is no one better suited to serve as Interim City Manager during this period,” Eddy states in his memo.
The Century Town Council will hear Eddy’s recommendation during their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at town hall. To date, the town council has not formerly consider the applications received for the town manager position.
To learn more about the five applicants for interim town manager, click here for an earlier story.
Picture above: Vernon Prather addresses a meeting of state and local officials at the Century Wastewater Treatment Facility on September 25. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
28 Responses to “Eddy Wants To Scrap Century City Manager Applications, Hire His Former Coworker For Now”
This is not good ‘ol boy, this is insertion of municipal experience that is severely lacking in Century. You get what you pay for. Who cares if these men are making good money. If it prevents future decades of waste and mismanagement from occurring, then consider it an investment. I would suggest giving them enough rope to make sweeping changes and judge the results accordingly. I doubt they are interested in destroying the place and ruining their reputations.
Breezer….
They call me the breeze…..
I wish I had that Good Ole Boy advantage. Must be nice.
Well, well, well. Looks like Century managed to find them a good ole boy to help make their illegal workings look good. Sad, sad, sad.
He’s already retired with a 25 year FRS pension. After 6 months he can legally be rehired at his previous position, or hired as “consultant”. FRS needs to change the rule. The college degree requirement should stay (no in lieu of experience). Younger people need these jobs that have degrees, pass the torch already!
WELL HERE WE GO AGAIN , THE SAME OLD GAME NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE BUT THIS WAY THEY CAN PUT MORE MONEY IN THERE BACK POCKET AND GET LOAN TOO THAT THEY DON’T HAVE TO PAY BACK
Why doesn’t the council interview the other candidates and see what they are will to do? Are they more qualified and willing to serve as interim? Why does Buzz get to get rid of them and hire his buddy?
**PRATHER DOES NOT MEET THE JOB QUALIFICATONS THEY ADVERTISED. HE DOES NOT HAVE A DEGREE*
Seems to me Mr. Eddy is only recommending his buddy in the interim. The application process is still open.
This is the last chance for Century to start over. We have to be open and think deeply of all the different aspects of hiring a town manager. Let’s be realistic. How many more qualified people in or near Century will apply for the position?
So if there’s a buddy system being used does that make Mr. Prather less qualified? Perhaps Mr. Eddy is just recommending the most qualified person at this time?
Well said, Citizen.
Beginning to sound like the white house
Bunch of sheep easily trolled by a headline. The problem with Century was people in elected positions and apparently some of the staff did not know enough to properly run three or four utilities plus a municipality.
Now it’s being turned around for the betterment of all. They handle the waste, provide the water and gas for some outside the limits including the prison. A committee to change the charter will take forever. I not sure but most likely the mayor and unanimous council and any body else with any sense will recognize this as being perfectly appropriate.
Hats off to the pea nut gallery.
Enjoy your Sunday..no body cares.
Solutions are more appropriate then whiners and trouble makers.
Experience and OJT are invaluable.
Buzz, you gonna need a Full Staff with all you got to do.
Man, maybe your aunt or niece could be the executive secretary.
Uncle Bob’s grandson could help work with the folks overseas in oil and gas.
Surely you have kids or some friends kids who need a foot in the door.
Can see this becoming a good place to be and work as long as you are “TIGHT”.
Small wonder this dandy from Gulf Breeze blew into town to “Serve and Help”.
Would be funny if not so dadburned SAD for this little community already run by a panel of clowns.
Will the humiliation never cease?
Eddy does not meet the qualifications for the position. The job desscription says college degree. Vernon Prather does not have a degree.
Oh yea let’s do away with the “good old boy” system. Instead I want you to hire my “good old ” former co- worker…tsk tsk tsk..
Its called a takeover folks.
Wait, wasn’t he the only applicant who wasn’t qualified? The “Good ol’ boy” method of employee selection needs to stop. I’m Sure there are many people who would love to have the position that didn’t apply because they didn’t have a bachelors degree. I will be disappointed if our council lets this fly. Hire a qualified person and let’s get this town back on track.
I’m curious… Who holds more rank, the City Manager or the Mayor?
See. I told you so.
Sounds like the good ol boy system back at work.
i would take anyone OTHER than someone hired by the incumbent city hall crew. we have had enough mismanagement.
Can you say Good Ole Boy? I knew from the start Buzz was perfect for Century.
No shocker. Absolute power corrupts absolute.
I can’t stop laughing
Hmmmm. Somehow, this doesn’t pass a smell test. Maybe it’s just me.
Never liked this man come to our town wanting to raise our taxes just like Gulf Breeze and know he wants to get rid of the hiring process and hire his BUDDY. Well I think its time to get rid of him send him back to The Million Dollar City of Gulf Breeze. And if the Council want do the right thing we need to replace all of them too.
Blatant corruption! No wonder Hawkins accepted Eddy’s goodwill. They are two peas in a pod.
I think Century is fortunate to get him. Since the charter hasn’t been changed an approved appointment will be great. He will be well qualified and familiar with the area and other partners.
Nepotism at it’s finest.