22 July 2014
Lane County Moves to Limit City’s Actions
The Lane County Commission took action yesterday to head off the City of Eugene’s efforts to require paid sick-leave for all workers in that city.
Approval of the three ordinances would also apply to all cities in the county, effectively limiting their powers in some cases.
Two ordinances passed unanimously. The first would exempt local governments in Lane County from other local government regulations requiring a change in terms or conditions of employment. The second exempts any employer in the county that may be outside a city, but operates at least partially within that city, from the same requirements.
The third ordinance passed by a 3-1 margin with north Eugene commissioner Pat Far dissenting. That essentially combines the first two and extends to any employ, in or out of a city. It relieves employers from any requirement to change terms and conditions of employment.
While the ordinances are in direct response to proposals in the city of Eugene, they would apply to all cities in Lane County.
Bankers Prefer Direct Approach
If you get a text message from your bank telling you your ATM or debit card has been suspended, don’t call the number on the text message.
That’s because it’s a fake; probably a scammer hoping you’ll respond and accidentally give up your PIN, your account number; or other personal information.
Ellen Huntingdon at Oregon Pacific Bank says they’ve received several reports over the past few days of similar messages. They may not be limited to just OPB customers.
She says delete the message.
City Manager Prospects Reviewed
Florence City Councilors spent the weekend reviewing 34 resumes received from applicants hoping to be the next city manager.
Last night they winnowed through that stack and narrowed the list down to eight.
Interim City Manager Larry Patterson says the next step is to prepare additional questions for the eight. He and city hall staff will also do some preliminary on-line background checking.
The council will meet again in executive session early next month to possibly pare that list even further and schedule one-on-one interviews.
Virus Drifting Through Town
The number of patients complaining of flu-like symptoms over the past two weeks seems to have settled down to normal.
Peace Harbor Medical Director Ron Shearer said staff tried, but was unable to find some possible common cause for the increased number of cases involving nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A higher number of patients than usual have been reported at area clinics and the emergency department with those complaints.
Shearer said it may have just been a – quote – “virus drifting through town”.
