Century balks at bill from Vietnamese eatery
Century Council President Ann Brooks questioned several charges that were on the bill list to paid by the town at Monday night's meeting, included several airline ticket purchases and restaurant charges.
Brooks referred to charges from a Vietnamese restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse and Whataburger that were all coded to operating supplies administration. Several of the charges were reimbursed by town employees later, according to the mayor.
Councilman Ben Boutwell questioned the restaurant charges, saying it was a lot of food.
“Is this on a trip?” asked Councilman Boutwell. “Do we have a per diem that we pay daily?”
Brooks said the mayor made the charges and that none of them were on a trip.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins said he made two of the charges, but that he knew nothing about the Vietnamese restaurant's charges.
Hawkins said the Whataburger charges were for lunch for two men who were helping the town working asphalt. “They were working through lunch, it was past 1 o'clock when I went by, so I went and got them something to eat,” said Hawkins.
Brooks said the town got them something to eat, not the mayor, since taxpayer's dollars were spent.
“Do you know what the Vietnamese restaurant was about?” asked Brooks. The mayor said he was unaware of the charge and did not know where it came from.
Restaurant charges that were on the bill list from past recent meetings were asked about and the mayor told the council that those charges had since been reimbursed by the employee who made the charges.
Brooks questioned several charges on Oct. 23, including Expedia charges for $107.58 and $560.92, a Frontier airfare of $214.90, a Delta air charge of $366.90, and an America Air of $501. 40, totaling $1,751.70.
“I got permission from Steven Barry to bring some folks in here to talk to the town about economic development and that should be covered under economic development funds,” said Hawkins.
Hawkins was referring to the economic development monies the county gave the town last year.
Brooks reminded the mayor that he is limited to making charges of $200 or less and that he should bring it before the council before he spends more than that.
Brooks called for a motion to pay the bills except for the Vietnamese restaurant until the council has more information on the bill. Councilman Boutwell made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Gary Riley. The motion carried.
