Century Hiring New Town Manager, Town Clerk And Assistant Clerk; Has Finally Hired For A Minimum Wage Job
October 21, 2021
The Town of Century wants to hire an interim town manager, a town clerk and an assistant town clerk. Meanwhile, they have finally hired an entry level employee, seven months after first rejecting the mayor’s recommendations.
As we first reported three weeks ago, Interim Town Manager Vernon Prather has notified Century that he is leaving when his contract ends December 1, saying that he has decided to fully retire. Town Clerk Kim Godwin is no longer full time, notifying the mayor that she is now going to nursing school. She cut her hours to at least 25 per week, the minimum number needed to keep her benefits. And Assistant Town Clerk Emily Easterling recently resigned.
This week, the town council voted to advertise all three positions for three week in hopes of making selections soon.
The council did eventually vote to hire one of two people recommended by the mayor for two open positions, but not without some reservations, in a process that has taken most of the year.
Council member Sandra McMurray-Jackson made a motion to hire Tonya Lambert Creel for the citizen services clerk at $10 per hour, which is minimum wage. The motion died for lack of a second. When Mayor Ben Boutwell said she was the last remaining applicant that was qualified for the job, the council voted again and approved the hire.
Council member Dynette Lewis, looking at Creel’s resume, expressed concern that she had only worked a few months over the past two years.
“That’s a little bit jumpy, you know,” Lewis said.
“I noticed she bounces around quite often,” council member James Smith said. “Even now, she’s employed, but she’s looking over again. So how long has she actually been at the other job? The concern is she going to stick around?”
Also this week, the council once again rejected the mayor’s recommendation for an entry-level service worker in the street department as a motion to hire him failed due to the lack of a second.
Prather said the town had 21 employees two years ago; now that number stands at just 13.
Here’s the eight month process it took to hire a citizen services clerk:
February 2
The town submitted the advertisement for the positions to NorthEscambia.com and others for publication.
The Century Town Council rejected two employees hired by the mayor because they say he violated the town’s charter. After the town received five applications for an entry-level service worker in the street department and 50 applications for a citizen services clerk office position, Mayor Ben Boutwell and staff members made their selections and offered jobs to two people. The service worker was already on the job, and the clerk was set to start a few days later.
The service worker the mayor hired had nine years experience as a millwright at a lumber mill, five years in maintenance at a chemical plant, and six years in home construction. The office worker selected by Boutwell had almost 20 years experience at an area bank as a bookkeeper, loan assistance, teller and accounts payable clerk, and holds an associate degree from Pensacola Junior College.
Council president Luis Gomez said the two were not hired in accordance with the town charter. The charter states that the mayor will present his employee selections to the town council to be approved or denied. The council can only vote yes or no on the mayor’s choice; the charter does not give the council any authority to hire anyone not recommended by the mayor.
At that March 15 meeting, the council voted 3-2 to restart the process and advertise the positions again. Council members James Smith and Sandra McMurray Jackson were in opposition.
The council again rejected Boutwell’s request to hire the same two applicants.
Gomez said he had personally contacted the references listed by the service worker applicant and had found he was terminated for just cause and was not eligible for rehire by a former employer. Gomez made additional disparaging comments about the individual.
The council provided no next step for the hiring process.
The applicant recommended by the mayor and rejected by the council for an entry level window citizens services clerk attended a council meeting wanting to know the status of the job. Gomez told her that he would never consider her for the job, and in a verbal exchange twice referred to her as a “beautiful woman.”
Gomez said he regretted that the woman was essentially caught in the rift between the council and mayor because her application was received last November but the position was not advertised until early February. “What I’m saying is I hate this beautiful woman is tied up in the middle of all this,” he said.
“I know you are a beautiful person. I would love to have lunch with you, even buy you lunch because I know you’re a beautiful person and probably have a beautiful family,” Gomez told Daniel. “But this is business. And please don’t take it personal.”
July 6
On the urging of council members James Smith, the council voted to re-advertise both positions again, this time for 30 days.
Pictured top: Century Town Clerk Kim Godwin has notified the town that she is now part-time while attending nursing school. Pictured inset: Mayor Ben Boutwell (left) addresses the council. Pictured below: Council members Sandra McMurray-Jackson, Dynette Lewis and Leonard White. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Carter Pitts Named National Merit Commended Scholar
October 21, 2021
Tate High School senior Carter Pitts was recently named a National Merit Commended Scholar.
The honor is based on high national percentage scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Commended students throughout the nation are recognized each year for their exceptional academic promise.
Additionally, Carter was selected as the Escambia County School District’s academic nominee for the U.S. Presidential Scholarship. His nomination will allow him to compete at the state level for the scholarship.
“Carter is a phenomenal student who epitomizes the Aggie Spirit,” Tate High School Principal Laura Touchstone said. “We are so proud of Carter and all of his accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular.”
Carter is in the top 10 of Tate’s senior class; a four year member of the Showband of the South, currently serving as battery captain; a member of a number of honor societies and other organizations; and captain of the academic team.
Pictured: National Merit Commended Scholar Conner Pitts. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local COVID-19 Hospitalizations Continue To Decline
October 21, 2021
COVID-19 hospitalizations in Escambia County have fallen to their lowest level since mid-July.
On October 20, there were 58 people hospitalized for COVID-19 in Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist and West Florida hospitals. That compares to 181 one month ago.
The numbers in the graph indicate daily hospitalizations in Escambia County and are provided daily by Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, Baptist Hospital and West Florida Hospital. The daily numbers are not cumulative.
Data sources: Escambia County, City of Pensacola, Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist and West Florida hospitals. Graphics: City of Pensacola.
Cantonment Man Charged With Drug, Weapon Offenses
October 21, 2021
A Cantonment man was charged with drug and weapon offenses after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report at a Circle K.
James Douglas Snow, 61, was charged with possession of a control substance and possession of weapon while in the commission of a felony.
Snow was arrested this week on outstanding warrants for the incident that occurred July 20.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to South Gulf Manor and Michigan Avenue for a man reported down. They arrived to find Snow slumped over the wheel in a Circle K parking lot, but he was alert and conscious, according to an arrest report. He told deputies he was napping after a long day of work at the convenience store.
A deputy was able to see a pill bottle in plain view on top of the center console of the pickup truck. He asked to see the bottle, and Snow willing provided the bottle, which contained 19, .22 caliber bullets, the report states.
An ECSO K-9 responded and alerted on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 2.9 grams of methamphetamine, three hydrocodone pills, a bag containing an unspecified amount of marijuana and a Walter .22 caliber handgun with an eight-round magazine and one round in the chamber, the ECSO said.
Escambia County Offering $2,000 Hiring Bonuses In Several Departments
October 21, 2021
Escambia County is offering $2,000 hiring bonuses for certain employees in several departments.
“We hope that by offering this pay incentive, we’ll be able to recruit some of the best possible candidates in corrections,” said Rich Powell, chief of Escambia County Corrections, one of the departments eligible for the bonus. ”We’re looking for applicants who will follow our core values: service, professionalism and vigilance. All dedicated professionals are invited to apply and help make a difference in their community.”
The fulltime positions listed below are eligible for the recruitment bonus:
Corrections
- Corrections Officer
- Detention Assistant
- LPN
- RN
- Mental Health Counselor
Development Services
- Urban Planner II
Facilities Management
- Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance Worker
Mass Transit
- Bus Operator
- Cleaner
- Fueler
- Mass Transit Fleet Maintenance Technician
- Trolley Operator
Library Services
- Librarian
- Senior Librarian
Public Safety
- EMT
- Firefighter
- Paramedic
- Emergency Communication Dispatcher
Roads & Bridges
- Emergency Vehicle II & III
- Equipment Operator II
- Fleet Maintenance Technician
- Fleet Maintenance Worker
Solid Waste
- Equipment Operator II
- Equipment Operator III
The hiring bonus was approved by the Escambia County Commission as they amended a Recruitment Initiative Pay Policy originally passed in May.
If the new hire does not remain in the position for 12 months, they will be required to reimburse the county on a pro rata basis based up on the number of day remaining in the one year agreement.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Know A Veteran In The Cantonment Area? CIC Is Planning Special Program For Them
October 21, 2021
The Cantonment Improvement Committee (CIC) will honor veterans from the community on Sunday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street.
Veterans interested in attending are asked to contact Mary at (850) 346-2797 by October 30.
Escambia May Spend $61.7 Million On Recovery Projects Including Broadband Internet, Emergency Vehicles, Parks
October 20, 2021
The Escambia County Commission will discuss a plan for spending $61.7 million in American Rescue Plan funds — a plan that includes revenue replacement, broadband internet in underserved areas, vehicles for public safety, parks and more.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) includes $61.7 million in direct local recovery assistance for Escambia County. The first half the County’s award has been received, totaling $30.9 million. The second half will be comparable and will arrive approximately one year after the first payment
Interim County Administrator Wes Moreno will make the following recommendations to commissioners on Thursday:
Escambia County Revenue Replacement — $28,358,185.52
The county lost $28,358,185.52 due to COVID-19 using ARP calculations. By putting these funds back into the county’s revenue stream, the money can be spent on a wider variety of projects.
County Broadband Fiber Project — $22,000,000
- The county will bear the full cost, but will seek investments from FDOT and grants to potentially lower the spend. A 10GB fiber backbone will be installed throughout the county, providing the ability to provide broadband internet to underserved citizens and businesses. A portion of the fiber can be leased to internet service providers, creating revenue streams. In addition, it’s estimated that using the fiber could save the county over $1.6 million per year by eliminating microwave contacts and leased circuits for the BOCC, 911, sheriff and tax collector.
Public Health and Safety Vehicles — $4,250,000
- Funds would purchase five ambulances, three pumper fire engines, three other fire apparatus, two other fire engines, and one ladder truck.
Parks and Recreation Upgrades — $3,302,546
- Spending would include $2 million for the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex for field lights, multipurpose room with lockers and other spaces, and upgrades to field turf and interior roads. Another $1,302,546 would be used in a project split evenly with the City of Pensacola to resurface a dozen 55-year old existing hard courts, create seven new clay courts, and create a 60 space parking area.
District 3 Library — $3,100,000
- Renovate the existing building at 3300 West De Soto Street as a library, along with fiber internet between the new building and Brownsville Community Center.
Universal Access — $1,000,000
- Retrofit infrastructure for ADA accessibility on both Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.
Perdido Bay Boat Ramp and Park — Heron Bayou — $2,500,000
- New public boat ramp on Perdido Bay for water access to alleviate overcrowding. The $2.5 million in ARP funds would be in addition to $2.5 million in grants already received.
Glynbroc Gulley, Ellyson Pond, Gatewood Ditch Project — $1,000,000
- This area was previously damaged by the April 2014 storms which was repaired through joint efforts of NRCS and Escambia County. The ARP funding would be used to mitigate damage from future flood events.
Under ARP terms, the county must allocate all funds prior to December 31, 2024, and complete all expenditures by December 31, 2026.
Escambia County Deputy Shot, Suspect Killed Tuesday Night
October 20, 2021
A man detained by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office shot a deputy Tuesday night, and the man was killed when a deputy returned fire.
It happened about 7 p.m. in the 3200 block of West La Rua Street, about a block off Jackson Street.
Sheriff Chip Simmons said the ECSO Gun Crimes Unit was searching for a homicide suspect in the area just before the incident.
The sheriff said deputies were speaking with a man unrelated to the homicide when he began to “fumble around” inside his waistband. A scuffle ensued between the man and deputy.
“During the scuffle, he reached into his waistband, retrieved a weapon and fired it at the deputy, striking the deputy in the leg,” Simmons said at the scene. “The deputy returned fire.”
The sheriff did not release the names of the deputy or the deceased man. He did describe the man that was killed as a white male who appeared to be in the mid-50s.
The injured deputy was expected to be released from the hospital as early as Wednesday.
“I just left the hospital; I spoke to him and his family,” Simmons said. “He was hit in the leg; the injuries do not appear life threatening. He will probably be admitted and just stay overnight for observation. At this point, he looks to be OK.
As is standard in all officer involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.
Two Injured In T-bone Crash Tuesday Night At West Kingsfield, Highway 97
October 20, 2021
Two people were injured in a two vehicle t-bone type crash Tuesday night at West Kingsfield Road and South Highway 97, not far from Ransom Middle School.
The crash happened about 8:20 p.m. between two passenger cars, one of which came overturned in a ditch.
The two injured individuals, one of which was a minor, were transported by Escambia County EMS. One other person refused medical transport at the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not released any details as they investigate.
The Cantonment, Ensley, and Bellview stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tate, Northview Both Fall In District Volleyball Semifinals
October 20, 2021
Both Tate and Northview were defeated in district volleyball play Tuesday night.
Tate Lady Aggies
Washington defeated the Tate Lady Aggies 3-0 Tuesday night in the District 1-6A semifinals.
Washington earned the win 25-22, 25-20, 25-18.
Tate finished at 14-8, 3-2 in the district.
Washington will face Gulf Breeze Thursday for the district championship.
Northview Lady Chiefs
Baker defeated the Northview Lady Chiefs Tuesday night in the District 1-1A semifinals.
The Lady Gators took the sweep 25-16, 25-8, 25-19.
Northview finished at 10-11 overall, 1-3 in the district.
Central and Baker will meet Thursday for the district championship.
Pictured top: Tate High seniors, NorthEscambia.com photo by Crystal Tolbert. Pictured below: Northview High seniors, NorthEscambia.com photo by William Reynolds. Click to enlarge.
