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Without Quorum, Century Can’t Act On 290% Tax Increase, 39% Higher Budget
September 6, 2023
The Century Town Council was unable to vote due to a lack of quorum Tuesday on a property tax increase of nearly 300% and an $8 million budget proposed by interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr.
Because the tax increase is so high, the state required approval by a unanimous vote of all four council members. Council president Dynette Lewis was absent from the meeting with the town clerk explaining that she was “very sick”.
The council was set to tentatively approve a property tax increase with a millage rate of .9204, which is 290.66% greater than the rolled-back rate of .2356 mills. The rolled back rate is a computed millage rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax dollars as the prior fiscal year, based on the proposed year’s tax roll, excluding new construction. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the State of Florida as a tax increase and the law says it must be advertised as such. The .9204 millage rate has been constant for several years.
Property values in Century have increased from approximately $49.5 million to $54.5 million over the last year, according to the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s Office. Last year, property taxes generated $45,518 for Century; this year is expected to be $50,307.
The $8,169,564 tentative budget is up more than $2 million (39%) over last year’s $5,828,525, mostly due to grant funds.
The budget includes a 3% cost of living raise for employees, an increased cost of about $100 per basic employee for insurance and a 150% rate increase for general liability and property insurance. The town pays 99% of employee health insurance and 50% of family cost.
All capital outlay expenses will be funded from American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds.
Tuesday evening’s meeting was recessed and is set to be reconvened September 19 for a vote. A second vote for a final approval will follow at another meeting on September 26.
Pictured top: Century Town Clerk Leslie Howington discusses a budget item with interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. during a Tuesday night meeting of the Century Town Council. Pictured inset: Only three of four council members attended the meeting; a unanimous vote of four was required to approve a tax increase. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
11 Responses to “Without Quorum, Century Can’t Act On 290% Tax Increase, 39% Higher Budget”
Why is it that every time one reads North Esc there is an article about Centry and some problem with their City Council? Seems to be an ongoing problem of mismanagement.
So, what’s the story here?
Mileage rates for municipalities:
Pensacola – 4.2895
Milton – 2.99
Jay – 3.80
Gulf Breeze – 1.97
Century – 0.9204
Although property values have increased by $5 million, remember that once exemptions are calculated, property taxes only generate $50,000… barely a living salary for one person.
Mileage rates are exceptionally low when compared to other municipalities.
Century simply cannot generate enough local revenue to exist were it not for grants and revenue sharing. There is no scenario where dozens or hundreds of new homes and businesses will be built. Grants come and go. Revenue sharing is based on sales taxes being collected from consumers.
That’s the reality Century faces and how it stacks up to neighbors.
Where is Debbie when you need her? SHE RAN THIS TOWN
The end result of this farce is that many decent citizens will choose
To avoid living in Century or sell out and move, thereby leaving only those who can’t afford to leave which results in a smaller tax base and lower city income which will cause these clowns to further raise taxes. This same city mentality has resulted
in cities like Detroit, Camden, NJ, and Montgomery, AL going
Into decline. It’s a race to the bottom for Century with this dysfunctional city government, it’s regressive policies and heavy handed Taxes.
@JEC
The Internet is the backbone of our current society, and the cornerstone of our economy. It was built primarily with tax dollars.
Our Interstate system is the foundation of our continental shipping industry. It was built with tax dollars.
Most businesses rely on financing. Our banks are reliable and safe, primarily because of oversight by regulatory agencies that are paid for with tax dollars.
Yes, you absolutely can use taxes to generate prosperity.
You cannot tax yourself into prosperity.
What else is new?
Who wants to wager that on Sept 19 & Sept 26 that everything will go smoothly?
Anyone?
Dissension among town council members? Could be. Consider this, Heir Gomez didn’t get unanimous support to become Mayor. With all the millions in “free” grant money the town gets, why raise the pittance of a property tax that won’t generate enough revenue to cover one town employee’s salary? Vote NO for a tax increase. Or in this case, don’t show.
Century seems to be in a constant situation of Stuck in the Mud.
What a mess….neverending story.
For Pete’s sake!
This bunch has got to be shut down before the damage gets any worse.
The Governor, Secretary of State, and state legislature members must intervene.
Dismantling the town has got to be on the next ballot.