FABRIZIO GOWDY
Gadsden County News Service
At a brief but productive first meeting of 2026 (held on Jan. 13), the Havana Town Council hired a new town clerk, accepted a Waste Pro rate increase, and discussed ways to honor a U.S. serviceman from Havana who recently died in Kuwait.
With current town clerk Reena Alexander having announced her retirement in November, the council voted unanimously to bring on Enosha Williams as the new clerk.
“She was among the five [candidates] who were interviewed — she did an outstanding job,” said Town Manager Kendrah Wilkerson, who advised the council to approve Williams’ hiring.
Williams’ previous experience includes working for the Justice Administrative Commission in Tallahassee, a state agency which provides administrative services to 49 judicial related offices. She also has worked for the Florida State University Police Department, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, and Capital City Bank.
Williams told the Havana Herald her top priorities include following Wilkerson’s lead in figuring out ways to budget for more town activities and events.
“I’m really excited to work with Havana Main Street and all of the things they are wanting to bring to the community,” said Williams.
In Other Business
Per the town’s contract with Waste Pro, the council also voted unanimously to approve an annual 2.92% Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate increase for collection of garbage and recyclables. That amounts to a $0.68 per month increase for garbage and $0.22 per month increase for recyclables; rates are now $23.86 and $7.67 monthly for garbage and recyclables respectively.
Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence Reed questioned whether an annual rate increase is typical, while Councilman Matt Wesolowski asked how much longer until the contract with Waste Pro was up. Wilkerson responded that she did not know without doing research.
Meanwhile, Councilwoman Tabatha Nelson noted that when the council had investigated alternatives to Waste Pro in the past, the conclusion had been that Havana residents pay less than most surrounding areas for collection.
The meeting ended with discussion of how to honor U.S. Army Sgt. Mark Henderson Jr., who recently died in Kuwait. Wesolowski said he had been in touch with state officials about lowering flags, while other council members suggested displaying a flag from a ladder truck to honor Henderson.
All council members were present at Tuesday’s meeting. The next town council meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m.
