Benjamin Boutwell, the mayor of Century, has announced his resignation from the position effective immediately.
He made the announcement in a formal resignation letter dated Tuesday and addressed to the governor, the Florida Department of State, the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections and Century’s town clerk.
“It is of heavy heart that I send this letter,” Boutwell wrote.
He continued, “I take great pride in the accomplishments that your Administration has worked with me to accomplish for Century, specifically Representative Michelle Salzman, Senator Doug Broxson and Commissioner Steven Barry. Together we have secured over $25 million to improve infrastructure and quality of life for Town citizens. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be focused on the Town and its citizens.”
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The letter did not provide a reason for the resignation. Boutwell could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday evening.
Media outlet NorthEscambia.com reported that during a town council meeting Aug. 15, Boutwell had announced his intent to resign after being questioned about “mistreatment of employees” by a town council member. Boutwell reportedly said those employees were simply being cross trained to do different jobs so they could provide back-up for absent employees.
As the discussion became more intense, Boutwell reportedly said he had “had enough” and “All I’m trying to do is (the) best for this town,” before walking out of the meeting. The following day he seemed to have a change of heart, saying, “I have an obligation to the citizens who voted for me to see my term through and continue to do the best I can for our town.”
He seemingly reversed course again, putting his resignation in writing Tuesday.
What happens to the town of Century next?
According to the town charter’s section on filling a mayoral vacancy:
“In the event that the mayor dies, resigns, becomes permanently disabled, ceases to be qualified, forfeits his office or is removed from office, as provided by law, the council shall appoint an interim mayor to serve until a successor is chosen. The interim mayor shall have the full powers and duties of mayor as provided by this charter or other law. If six (6) months or more remain in the current term of the mayor, the council shall call a special election to fill the office for the unexpired portion of the term, and such election shall be held and completed within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of the vacancy.”
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Boutwell was elected in 2020, defeating incumbent Henry Hawkins by a slim margin of 51.58% to 48.42%, or 21 votes. He had previously been elected to serve on Seat 3 of the Town Council.
The mayor’s seat is scheduled to come back up for re-election in 2024. According to Supervisor of Elections website, no candidates have pre-filed for the office at this time.
