NorthEscambia.com reports the Town of Century is facing leadership changes as a council member has resigned and the town clerk has submitted her resignation, though officials are working to retain the clerk through negotiations.
Council Member McMurry-Jackson Steps Down
Council member Sandra McMurry-Jackson has officially resigned from her position on the Century Town Council. Her resignation, which was effective immediately, was announced during Tuesday night’s council meeting.
“I have had the opportunity to work on many projects that have been beneficial to the community,” McMurry-Jackson stated in her resignation letter. “I have served beside several mayors and council members while making decisions that were that felt were in the best interest of our community as well as the livelihood of the town residents.”
She added, “I feel it is in my best interest to step down from the town council to become more focused on other areas of my life, but personal and professional.”
- McMurry-Jackson’s current term wasn’t set to end until January 2027. According to the town charter, her resignation will trigger the appointment of an interim council member. With more than six months remaining in her term, a special election to fill the seat will be scheduled between 60 and 90 days from May 6.
Resignation Amid Leadership Changes
You may need a scorecard to keep up with the leadership turnover in Century.
- This Friday, John Bass is scheduled to be sworn in to the council, which would have restored the council to its full five-member complement for the first time since Alicia Johnson’s departure.
Johnson resigned in early January after being appointed interim mayor following Luis Gomez Jr.’s resignation for medical reasons in January, just as his new four-year term was beginning.
- Former Mayor Ben Boutwell, who had previously resigned in August 2023, will also be sworn in as mayor this Friday after winning a recent uncontested election. Johnson did not seek election to the mayoral position.
Town Clerk Carrie Moore Negotiating to Stay
Town Clerk Carrie Moore has also submitted her resignation, but town officials are working to keep her on board. Interim Town Manager Howard Brown addressed the situation at Tuesday’s meeting, saying, “Carrie Moore has tendered her resignation, and I’ve been able to talk with her about it. So, I would ask that the mayor be authorized to negotiate some terms.”