Sunshine violations, ethics, money eyed
The Town of Century is being investigated by the State Attorney's Office, according to an email Century Mayor Henry Hawkins and Century Council President Ann Brooks received from the town's attorney, Matt Dannheisser.
Hawkins was not present at the council meeting Monday, but each council member was given a copy of the email and Hawkins' response.
In the letter, Dannheisser notes in his email he spoke with Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille concerning knowledge of 'possible impropriety regarding payment of town employee wages with insufficient funds in the town's bank account; possible ethical issues in regards to loans to (and/or failure to repay loans to) current or past members of the town council; and possible Sunshine Law violations in regards to a meeting with the town's auditors and others at which more than one member of the town council may have been present,' according to a copy of the letter.
The first issue of town employee wages paid with insufficient funds was first brought to the attention of the council at an August council meeting when Brooks alleged that poor management in town leadership was the reason 41 instances of insufficient funds since February 2018 cost the town more than $1,300 in overdraft charges the council did not know about, although the charges were reversed.
The second issue involves one of three revolving economic development business grants made in the past that is still outstanding, held by Councilwoman Sandra McMurray Jackson. Loans made to Evelyn Hammond and Ann Brooks have been paid, according to Century Town Clerk Kim Godwin.
Jackson requested a refinance of her loan for three years, which the council voted to approve in July. Jackson said the original loan was made by her husband. When her husband died, she took over repayment of the loan, and she said she has paid back around $80,000.
Jackson said she got behind on the payments and that was the reason she asked for a refinance.
The issue of possible Sunshine Law violation mentioned in the email stems from a meeting to go over audit draft findings called by Saltmarsh, Cleveland and Gund CPA Firm. The mayor, town clerk, department heads and CPA Robert Hudson were required to be present and Councilwoman Ann Brooks also came. The Sunshine law requires that meetings of boards or commissions must be open to the public; reasonable notice of such meetings must be given, and minutes of the meeting must be taken.
Mayor Hawkins excused himself from the audit to avoid breaking the Sunshine Law because Brooks was present. Councilman Luis Gomez and Councilwoman Jackson came to the meeting.
