Century approves Mayor Hawkins choice
The town of Century welcomes new billing clerk Toni Simmons following an interview and a 3-2 split vote approval at Monday night's council meeting.
An interview of candidate Simmons by the council was decided on at the Feb. 4 council meeting following Century Mayor Henry Hawkins recommendation to hire Simmons as billing clerk, and raise her pay hourly wage from $9.81 to $12. Councilwoman Ann Brooks said after checking the town charter, the council is only allowed to interview the candidate selected by the mayor and cannot make decisions about candidates otherwise.
Simmons was originally hired by the town to work as a clerk technician, but then trained for about three weeks under former billing clerk Angela Suggs after Suggs announced she was leaving.
Councilman James Smith had no questions for Simmons.
Brooks asked Simmons about her formal education at Jefferson Davis Community College. Simmons said she studied nursing but did not graduate when asked by Brooks.
Councilman Ben Boutwell asked Simmons about her depth of knowledge about the format used in the software ICIS, which is used to run and operate the billing system for the town. Simmons said it was a stand alone system, built by Harris Company.
Councilwoman Sandra McMurray Jackson asked Simmons about her ability to handle conflict resolution and a situation that she could not handle.
Simmons said she always tries to find a solution that will benefit both parties whenever possible, and if she could not handle the situation, she would step away for a moment and ask for a second opinion.
Jackson asked why Simmons wanted to work for the town of Century.
“I've been here for a little over a year and I really like working here and I would really like to better myself, to move forward,” said Simmons.
Boutwell asked what kind of certifications Simmons was considering earning in the future to help her in her position.
“I would definitely like to go to the training for the software,” said Simmons. “Any certifications it could require, I am more than willing to learn.”
Jackson asked Simmons what she thought would make her the best choice for the position of billing clerk.
“I was trained by Angela, so I do know how she handle things, partially,” said Simmons. “I already know the customers, I know their accounts and I know their situations. I think that would help.”
Boutwell's last question to Simmons was why she refused to do the billing during this interview and hiring process. Last month's billing was completed by Chief Deputy Clerk of Finance Kristina Wood.
“I want the position, and I know how to do the position, but I don't want to be taken advantage of,” Simmons said.
Councilman Luis Gomez asked how Simmons felt working for the community.
Simmons said she would love to work for the community and benefit them any way possible, while still abiding by the rules.
Brooks read some of the requirements for the job to Simmons. Experience and training for this job is four years of increasingly responsible bookkeeping and clerical accounting experience, including some lead or supervisory experience, supplemented by courses in bookkeeping or accounting. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
“I've been working with money from the moment I got a job, at 15 years old. It may have started at McDonald's but thats still handling the drawer that I was responsible for,” said Simmons.
“Handling money is not accounting experience,” said Brooks. “So the question is, do you have accounting or bookkeeping experience, that's not the same as being a cashier, handling the money.”
Simmons said that by Brook's definition, she guessed not.
Brooks asked Simmons if she could recall the percentage of billing was for the prison normally. Simmons could not, stating that she had not come prepared with the paperwork.
“Our town's accountant, Robert Hudson, stated his opinion about Miss Simmons in this position, and he stated he doesn't believe she currently possesses the skills for the position for the billing clerk,” said Brooks just before the council members were asked to vote.
Councilman Luis Gomez, Councilwoman Sandra McMurray Jackson and Councilman James Smith voted yes and Council Ben Boutwell and Councilwoman Ann Brooks voted no.
“I've been working with the town for a little over a year and I absolutely love it,” said Simmons. “I'm just so grateful to have been given this opportunity to move forward here. I look forward to being able to serve the citizens of Century to the best of my ability.”
