Howington back as Century's town clerk

A familiar face has returned to work for the town of Century as former Town Clerk Leslie Howington was one of four people recently hired by the council to work for the town during a special meeting Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Howington, who served as town clerk from 2010 to 2018, will serve the town as town clerk at a salary of $24.55 an hour. Howington submitted a proposal to merge town manager and town clerk, which would save the town money for a utilities manager. The council will review the proposal when it reviews the town manager applications. The motion was made and seconded and unanimously approved.

The town had an opening for an administrative clerk, left vacant when Emily Easterling left earlier this year. Brianna Waldrop, a former employee who worked for the town from 2019 to 2021, applied for the job and was approved at $12.50 an hour.

In a vote of 3 to 2, Dennis Mathis was approved for a street department position.

Mayor Ben Boutwell recommended hiring Mathis at $15 an hour. Councilman Luis Gomez said he was not agreeing to $15 an hour. Boutwell changed his recommendation to $12 an hour with a raise after 90 days. Gomez said he was not sure about the raise after 90 days.

The motion was made and seconded. Councilman James Smith and Councilwoman Dynette Lewis voted no. Councilman Leonard White, Councilwoman Sandra McMurray Jackson and Councilman Gomez voted yes.

Scotty Hearndon, who had experience with McCall Water System, was hired as a water operator. Hearndon was hired at $13 an hour and will get a raise when he gets certified.