The town of Century will advertise for a new water and wastewater superintendent following current Water and Wastewater Superintendent Alicia Jernigan's resignation, which was discussed at Monday night's meeting.
Hawkins recommended to the council moving the assistant water and wastewater superintendent, Heath Burkett, up to fill Jernigan's position and the town will advertise for someone to be assistant.
Jernigan said she will work with the new superintendent for two weeks and will gladly continue to offer assistance when it's requested.
“Burkett has the qualifications,” said Hawkins. “We will have to advertise for somebody to do what he is doing. Jernigan's last day is this Friday and I would like promote Burkette up to her position and then advertise for another certified operator.”
“You have to advertise the position,” said Ann Brooks.
“I can promote from within, if we have qualified people,” said Hawkins.
“You can promote from within after advertising,” said Brooks. “But you have to advertise first.”
“So Jernigan's last day is Friday so for two weeks we're not going to have anybody to run that stuff over there,” said Hawkins.
Brooks said she didn't make the rules but that those are the rules and she suggested Burkette could fill in the position, but that it must be advertised.s
Century's water infrastructure includes water pumps that are more than 20 years old and frequently need repair or replacement. The town has struggled to fund the funds for the much-needed upgrades in recent years.
“I don't like it, but she's got to do what she's got to do,” said Hawkins.
Jernigan has been working for several years with the towns of Century, Jay and Mt. Carmel, keeping their water and wastewater systems working properly and making sure they meet state requirements.
“I've been working on a contract basis with Mt. Carmel doing their monthly sampling and reporting mainly, but I am going to work for the town of Jay full time,” said Jernigan. “The town has really good leadership over there and I am excited to be there.”
When asked why she decided to work with the town of Jay full time, Jernigan said she likes a challenge and the chance to work with people who take the initiative to improve where they live.
“I'm always looking for opportunities to better my position and one presented itself,” she said. “I love the town of Century, and I'm proud of the progress we've made. I will continue to work to make the town a better place.”
Jernigan said with the $600,000 grant Jay got to improve their water infrastructure, she is looking forward to helping replace the iron pipes in the town this summer.
