Century Fails To Approve Property Tax Increase, New Budget After Council Members Skip Meeting

September 29, 2020

The Town of Century was unable to approve a new budget and tax increase after two council members did not attend a Monday night meeting.

In order to approve the property tax increase a two-thirds majority of four of the  five members was required.

Council member James Smith did not attend the meeting in person or via Zoom, and officials said he did not contact the town in advance with any reason. Council member Sandra McMurray-Jackson was unable to attend due to a medical emergency, according to council President Ann Brooks.

With just three members present for the meeting, the council could not take a vote. They will try again on Monday, October 5, days after the town’s new budget year begins on October 1.

The town is considering a $4.14 million budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021, up from $3.63 million during the current fiscal year. The tentative millage rate of .9204 is about 5% greater than the rolled-back rate of .8759.

The rolled-back rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as approved for the prior year.  A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by Florida law as a tax increase.

Comments

6 Responses to “Century Fails To Approve Property Tax Increase, New Budget After Council Members Skip Meeting”

  1. Kevin Enfinger on September 30th, 2020 2:09 pm

    Sounds like theres alot of irresponsible people in Century

  2. William Reynolds on September 29th, 2020 2:14 pm

    >>The Zoom/call in number was inoperable last night.

    That did not seem to be the case….We used the Zoom app, but it showed all of the participants used the dial in number except for us and the meeting host.

  3. Fortherecord on September 29th, 2020 2:10 pm

    The Zoom/call in number was inoperable last night.

  4. chris on September 29th, 2020 11:58 am

    Imagine prospective business owners looking at Century and saying “NOPE.”

  5. MAH on September 29th, 2020 6:34 am

    I don’t know for sure, but it seems to me that Mr Smith does not attend a lot of Council meetings. Why run for a seat if you are unable to fulfil your obligations?

  6. Mr. Metoo on September 29th, 2020 6:21 am

    Mr. Smith can’t even show up to a part time work from home job. And not giving a reason is.
    arrogant and disrespectful to the people he represents. He must believe that he works in Washington D.C.Whataburger would fire him. Century deserves better.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News