The town of Century could receive up to $14,700 following Monday's night approval of two resolutions presented by Capital Trust Agency (CTA) for the acquisition of three charter schools in Florida.
The Florida Charter Educational Foundation, Inc. will acquire two charter schools located in Hillsborough County and Pasco County. The amount borrowed will range from $25,175,000 to $30 million. Somerset Academy Foundation, Inc. will acquire a charter school in St. Lucie County. The amount borrowed will range from $10,800,000 to $11,500,000.
The schools meet a public purpose by providing gainful employment in making significant contribution to the economic growth of the whole community; promoting commerce within the state of Florida; providing educational services for the community and advancing the economic prosperity and the general welfare of the state of Florida and its people.
The town is not obligated to pay back the loan as indicated in an interlocal agreement between the town of Century and the city of Gulf Breeze.
In other business, Town Planner Debbie Nickles requested approval for several items including: to accept of a grant award from Volunteer Florida for C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) and Citizens Corp Grants of $5,000 to provide training and education for disaster preparedness; to apply to Florida Communities Trust to purchase an additional 78 acres of wetlands next to the water treatment plant for future land mitigation; and to amend ordinance 2-12 requiring that any new fences installed must be no taller than 4 feet tall and made of wood. Fences currently standing are acceptable, but must be rebuilt as specified by the approved ordinance in case of destruction.
Councilwoman Ann Brooks asked Nickles why she thought purchasing the additional acreage would benefit the town.
“If we can purchase these 78 acres, we would have wetlands available in case we plan drainage projects in the future,” said Nickles.
The council voted to approve all items unanimously.
In other business, the council voted to donate $1,600 to Century Sports Association to help purchase uniforms and equipment. According to director Oneil Dubose, the association needs $2,400 total before the season starts on Aug. 1, 2018.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins told council members there was $800 left from the youth graduating program, $150 left over from the July 4 fireworks money and some other funds that could be donated.
Councilman Ben Boutwell made a motion which was seconded by Councilwoman Sandra McMurray Jackson to donate the $1,600. The motion carried.
