Century begins charter review

Following the recent investigation into the town of Century's financial status, the Council attended a workshop Monday night to look at the town's charter, which has remained unchanged since 1979, on a recommendation by the State Attorney's Office.

Among the findings and recommendations of the grand jury for the town of Century following the recent investigation was a recommended forensic financial audit be done for the past five years, that the town seeks assistance of a municipal consulting firm to assist in the development of policies and procedures and that the process include an operational audit. The purpose of the workshop was to review the town's charter and decide if and what changes if any, would be made.

Florida League of Cities' University Director Lynn Tipton lead the workshop and discussed ways the town could update its charter, suggesting a periodic review by the town council in the future.

“I think it went as well as can be expected,” said Century Councilman Luis Gomez.“Tipton is well-versed in what she does. She is very professional, and represents the Florida League of Cities well. She suggested we read our charter, and basically gave a class on charter review and how to organize charter review. She explained a lot to me.”

Gomez said that he learned parts of a charter can stand the test of time, but it is important to review periodically and revise when necessary.

“A charter can be 100 years old, if it still works,” said Gomez. “But there are certain parts you don't want to touch. There's a lot built in a charter and in order to change it, one has to go to the voters in that city.”

Mayor Henry Hawkins has been in the hot seat recently and said he is open to suggestions, especially any that can help him do the job he was elected for.

“They discussed hiring a city manager who could be responsible for all problems we have, who would be responsible for all departments,” said Hawkins. “The mayor would become a council member and the council president position would become null and void. It was very educational and beneficial. She did a wonderful job. I'm getting beaten up about all I do. You've got me doing what I do for $7,000 a year, basically part-time, and a city manager would cost you $90,000, so back off.”

Hawkins said the next step is for the council to address the results of the workshop at its next meeting and move forward to look for a facilitator who is neutral and can lead the town in the process to update its charter.

“It won't be a day-by-day thing,” said Hawkins. “It may be a day a week thing to do what they need to do. She told us the charter is old, we need to rewrite it. One way is we have to have public input. We need to have some citizens to help rewrite the charter.”

Hawkins said the next course of action is to ask the council to decide how many people will make up a board. Those who have been asked to be a board member and accept appointment will collaborate to rewrite the charter.

Once the board is in place, a neutral facilitator will help rewrite the charter and present it back to the council.

“Then it goes on the ballot,” said Hawkins. “It will take a year to get it done anyway so it will be a push to get it on the 2020 ballot.”

Hawkins said that Tipton said Century has a combination of how it does business.

Tipton said we have a strong mayor, weak council at some points, then the other way around,” said Hawkins. “It depends on what the people want. Right now, we are in a strong mayor, weak council, but I am limited to what I a do, so that makes it a strong council, weak mayor. I'm serving as mayor and administrator. Every city or town should do a charter review and be aware of how to write or update it. The laws have changed and you could be working with something antique. Everybody needs to look at it when recommended, especially the way Florida's laws are changing.”