17 Candidates in the Spotlight: Century Town Administrator Search Begins!

Century, Florida, USA - A significant event is on the horizon for the small town of Century, Florida. This week, a selection committee will convene to evaluate 17 candidates vying for the crucial role of town administrator. As the chief operations officer, the town administrator will report directly to the elected mayor and play a vital role in managing the town’s day-to-day activities.

The candidate pool is impressively diverse, featuring individuals from across the nation with backgrounds ranging from municipal management to nonprofit administration. Notably, five applicants have local ties, including Alan Fowler, a water and wastewater consultant; Dave Murzin, a former state representative and economic development consultant; Jeff Peacock, a Century native with congressional electoral experience; Lisa Rouse, a marketing manager; and Brian Underwood, a grants director from Fairhope, Alabama.

The Application Process

This selection committee includes a mix of key figures in local governance, such as Mayor Ben Boutwell and council members John Bass and Henry Cunningham. The interim town manager, Howard Brown—who has opted not to apply for the position—will also be part of the committee. The group is scheduled to hold a public workshop on Tuesday, July 22, at 10 a.m. in the town council chambers with no voting taking place at that time, as outlined by the town charter.

In addition to local candidates, the recruitment effort has attracted applicants with rich and varied experiences in areas such as public safety and economic development. Some notables in the lineup include Charles V. Anderson, a former city manager experienced in crisis management and infrastructure, and Timothy J. Day, who boasts over 30 years in city management and public safety. Their diverse backgrounds create an exciting atmosphere for potential innovations and improvements in town governance.

Salary Insights

The compensation for the town administrator position is another intriguing aspect of the selection process. The salary range is between $112,000 and $137,000, with offers likely hovering around $124,500. Such figures are not uncommon in similar municipal roles. According to Payscale, while the highest reported salaries for town administrators can fluctuate greatly, achieving higher pay typically involves changing employers, obtaining advanced degrees, or gaining more management experience.

Working in local government management is ideal for those passionate about public service and the well-being of their communities. Employees in this field manage essential services that impact health, safety, and welfare. Responsibilities span emergency services, waste management, and financial stewardship, demanding a blend of integrity, strong communication skills, and resilience.

The median annual salary for city managers stood at $103,000 in 2012, per the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). This reflects the evolving nature of local government roles as positions become more competitive due to retirements and other employment shifts affecting baby boomer managers. With the demand for capable local managers expected to increase, the time could be ripe for individuals eager to step into the town administrator role.

Time will tell who among the 17 applicants will rise to the occasion and take on the challenges that come with leading Century. With an engaged selection committee and a robust applicant pool, it’s a pivotal moment for the town, full of potential for bridging community needs with effective governance.