18 September 2013
Events Center Subsidy Coming from General Fund
The City of Florence will use property tax dollars to subsidize operations at the Events Center. The City Council approved the recommendations of City Manager Jacque Betz this week after a months-long study of options by a special committee.
The city’s finance department and budget committees anticipated the move earlier this year and reccomended collection of the city’s full allowable property tax levy. That generated about $205-thousand that would have been set aside in a reserve fund if the council had not approved the deal.
By subsidizing operations with General Fund money, that also frees up additional Transient Room Tax funding for marketing of the center. The move is not necessarily a permanent one. Councilor Joshua Greene said they expect to review the situation after the first year.
In other action Monday, the council approved a revised recommendation by the city’s Transportation Advisory Committee to retain two stops on the Rhody Express bus service while adding an additional stop at Three Rivers Casino.
Bozievich Reaching Out to Residents
West Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich will be in the Florence and Mapleton area for three “community discussions” tomorrow. Bozievich says he wants to hear community concerns and answer questions. He’ll be in Mapleton at Frank’s Place Restaurant at 9:30 tomorrow morning; at Siuslaw Public Library at noon, then at the Bridgeport Market in Old Town at four.
Bozievich is finishing up the third year of a four-year term. Already one potential opponent has filed for the spot on the May 2014 primary ballot; Eugene resident Dawn Leslie. Bozievich has not yet filed for reelection.
The Price of Driving
Gas prices have held relatively stable in Florence over the past 60 days and they’re expected to stay where they are or rise slightly.
This week’s average price for a gallon of regular is $3.57. That’s three-cents higher than it was two weeks ago, but equals the price of four weeks ago.
Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says the Oregon average price of $3.70 nearly matches last week’s, but is seven cents less than in mid August.
The national average price… at $3.51 a gallon is down a nickel.
Kerner Earns Medical Director Certification
The long term goal of establishing a broader array of services of long term care and easing the pain and discomfort of patients with terminal illnesses in Florence is moving a little closer to reality.
Dr. Stephen Kerner, a family practice physician with PeaceHealth, was recently granted the designation of “Medical Director in Long Term Care” by a national organization.
No additional testing was required for the certification, but it reflects the experiences of Kerner, along with his on-going medical education, board certifications, and overall competence in clinical as well as managerial roles.
The designation will assist Kerner not only with his day-to-day responsibilities with Peace Harbor Medical Center, but also in his role as the physician advisor for Regency long term care facility in Florence.
