Century Talks Budget Shortfall, Employee Raises And Rising Insurance Costs

August 23, 2023

Century entered a workshop Tuesday evening with about a quarter million dollar deficit and ended with a roadmap to near the break-even point. They also talked wish lists and employee raises.

Council members Louis Gomez, Jr., Alicia Johnson and Shelisa McCall were present for the meeting. They discussed removing proposed new hires and other changes to eliminate the deficit.

They also discussed a 3% cost of living increase for all employees,  plus $1 raises for current employees as minimum wage rises from $12 to $13 on October 1. A total of six employees making minimum wage or under about $15 an hour will receive the $1 raise.

The town is also grappling with rising health insurance costs of $100 or more per employee. The town covers 99% of the costs for employee coverage plus 50% for spouse or family coverage.

Accountant Robert Hudson said many department head “wishlist” purchases could come from Local Option Sales Tax or American Rescue Plan funds rather than the general fund budget.

The town is aiming to complete the budget before a council meeting on September 5.

Pictured top: Century town accountant Robert Hudson explains a tentative budget during a workshop meeting Tuesday evening. Pictured below: Council member Alicia Johnson listens to budget details. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

5 Responses to “Century Talks Budget Shortfall, Employee Raises And Rising Insurance Costs”

  1. Chelleepea on August 23rd, 2023 11:48 am

    Yet again, instead of using LOST and Rescue money for bigger projects they will attempt to use it to foot the day to day bill that should come from the general fund. That is why the residents wonder what ever happened to that grant money….its been used up in pieces to plug up holes here and there. This is another example of the lack of planning. Don’t budget for things like the revenue will miraculously increase next year. Whatever the current revenue is that is what you base your next fiscal budget.

  2. Revenue on August 23rd, 2023 11:23 am

    There are very small communities on the Great Plains that have signs posted in town saying, “Free Land for new residents!”

    The catch is the recipient must put down $1,000 (refundable deposit) and build a 1,500 square foot or more new fixed structure and become a new resident for five years. No mobile homes. It varies a bit town to town. New residents allowed only from other counties and states.

    If Century would do some condemnation of vacant, structurally unsound structures, acquiring the land through liens and tax certificates, it may both clean up the town (very unsightly, downscale appearance to visitors) and garner a few new residents… and ideas.

  3. Revenue on August 23rd, 2023 9:20 am

    With its geographic footprint being so small, and with virtually no growth, the Town is dependent on upward adjustments in existing property values and grants. But the expenses of employees, equipment and infrastructure, and insurance overwhelms such a small town government.

    Aside from the politics, this is yet another reason why the town should unincorporate. There is no future scenario of growth in housing, business, or population that would provide a new source of revenue for the future. Merge the employees into the county or give an incentive to retire. Why fight this year after year?

  4. Shelisa McCall on August 23rd, 2023 8:57 am

    Ms. Lewis did not attend this meeting.

  5. SW on August 23rd, 2023 8:27 am

    Century is a failed town. Time to revoke the charter and sell off assets.

    Whataboutit Rep Salzman, Sen Broxson, Governor DeSantis, and FL Sec of State?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News