Century votes to advertise for clerk

The town of Century will advertise for a town clerk following a 3 to 1 vote approval by council members at Monday night's meeting. Council members Ben Boutwell, Luis Gomez and Ann Brooks voted yes. Councilwoman Sandra McMurray-Jackson voted no. Councilman Gary Riley was absent.

Since former Town Clerk Leslie Howington resigned Friday, March 9, former Century Gas Superintendent Kim Godwin has been serving as Interim Town Clerk for the town. Godwin is certified as a town clerk.

Century Mayor Henry Hawkins made a request to the council to hire Godwin permanently as town clerk. Hawkins pointed out that Godwin was certified as a municipal city clerk, and stated that he planned to offer Joe Brown or B.J. Johnson, in the gas department, the position of gas superintendent to cover Godwin's former position.

“When we hired Leslie, we advertised for that job,” said Councilwoman Brooks. “We interviewed and hired based on that. I think we need to do the same. Have her put in a resume and we can look at others also.”

Brooks asked for someone to make a motion to advertise the position. Councilman Boutwell made the motion, which was seconded by Brooks. The council voted 3 to 1 to approve and the motion carried.

According to the Century Town Charter under Employee Selection: 'All vacancies occurring within the town shall be filled whenever possible with a qualified employee of the town. Promotion within the town staff shall be based upon the qualifications of the person being appointed.'

“It makes good sense to hire from within instead of advertising and spending that money,” said Century Mayor Hawkins. “The charter was designed by the powers that be at the time and it gives us a guideline to go by. I like to have more than one person that is qualified, that's what we are facing.”

When asked why she voted no, Councilwoman McMurray said she is supportive of promoting from within and considering qualifications when efficiency is a priority.

“Im a true believer in promoting from within first,” said Councilwoman McMurray. “If you have person who is qualified in your industry, you should consider them and avoid training and money spent, and things like that. Why not giving him or her an opportunity? I am for advertising, because then everyone can have the chance, but I do believe in promoting from within. Kim is qualified for the job.”