Century Council Member White Resigns Hours Before Tax Increase Vote

September 28, 2022

A Century council member resigned from office Tuesday hours before the council tentatively approved a property tax increase.

Council member Leonard White resigned early Tuesday afternoon, citing time constraints due to his job as correctional officer at the Century Correctional Institution.

“In this current working climate that so many employers are facing, my job has taken an unexpected toll on me with shift changes, short staff, and other matters I do not have control over,” White’s resignation letter stated. “Today, I realized with sadness that, to benefit of the Town, I must tender my resignation from Council Seat No. 3 effective immediately.” (To read White’s complete resignation letter, click here.)

“Century is my home; the place I want to help grow and be better,” he wrote.

White was elected as a political newcomer in 2020 to a term that ends the first Monday of January 2023. No one qualified to seek the seat on this year’s ballot.

Earlier this month, the council was unable to tentatively approve a budget and property tax increase after White was unable to attend a meeting due to a conflict with his job. Over the past year, he has been forced to miss numerous meetings due to his DOC job. That even led the council to move meetings from Monday to Tuesday in order to accomodate White.

With White officially off the council, that left four members present Tuesday evening for the unanimous vote needed to approve a property tax increase.

The council tentatively approved a .9204 millage rate, a 151.68% increase over the rolled back rate of 0.3657 mills. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the State of Florida as a tax increase.

The tax increase is so great that the state required a unanimous vote of the body for approval, or a special referendum at the ballot box.

The tax increase and a new budget will become official after a final hearing and affirmative vote on October 3.

Pictured: Century council member Leonard White, who resigned Tuesday, at a July 2022 meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

7 Responses to “Century Council Member White Resigns Hours Before Tax Increase Vote”

  1. Fence Jumper on September 29th, 2022 12:36 pm

    @tg. If this man works in a prison, I’m sure he can handle the heat.

  2. Well on September 28th, 2022 5:48 pm

    The right thing to do.

  3. tg on September 28th, 2022 4:18 pm

    Dont Tax Him Dont Tax Me Tax That Guy Behind That Tree. Quote Huey Long Gov of Louisiana.

  4. concerned on September 28th, 2022 1:49 pm

    I’m still wondering if a toll booth in the town of century could be the answer ? or would it break the rules of the sunshine law. Mr.white looks like a smart man and appears to look stressed out. maybe Pensacola could offer some help without making matters worse. besides Florida always has each other’s back

  5. Dennis HE Wiggins on September 28th, 2022 10:55 am

    Several years ago, Flomaton increased its municipal gas tax. That, evidently, did not work, so they increased the sales tax from 9% to 10%. That, too, must have failed because recently they increased it again to 11%. What is next?

    All this shows raising taxes does not solve a government’s money-issues.

    As a side note regarding the gas tax, just last week I saw TWO of the Flomaton council members in Canoe buying gas, obviously because it costs less there. Part of the reason it costs less is because of the increased gas tax Flomaton instituted. Rather hypocritical of the council members, wouldn’t you say?

  6. tg on September 28th, 2022 8:50 am

    When you cant stand the heat you have to get out of the Frying Pan.

  7. sam on September 28th, 2022 7:57 am

    let the citizens vote on this new tax. i guessing it would NOT pass.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News