23 October 2014
Darkening your skies and taxing your high
The Florence City Council said yes Monday night to a couple of different questions. The first was whether or not to tax recreational sales of marijuana in the city. If voters approve ballot measure 91 and retail sales of pot, the city is reserving the right, in their eyes, to levy a tax on sales. The Council did not set a tax rate … they’ll do that at a later date they say.
In another move, elected officials approved the next step in the possible establishment of a “dark sky” ordinance in Florence. Interim City Manager Larry Patterson said many cities across the country have already done the same.
Larry Patterson – “Most of it is a question of shielding. A lot of cities have gone to that to keep that glare… so that, you know… when you walk out in the evening you can see the stars.”
The aim is to save energy; reduce light pollution; and protect against certain environmental impacts. The approval gives city staff the green light to begin drawing up a proposed ordinance.
Coos Bay Accident Kills One
Highway 101 over the McCulloch Bridge at Coos Bay is expected to reopen shortly after noon today following an accident that claimed one life last night.
Fire and emergency responders were summoned just after five pm to a report of a pickup truck in the bay beneath the bridge.
Crews discovered the pickup that appeared to have gone through a railing on a work platform. Coast Guard crews recovered the body of one person in the water.
The Oregon Department of Transportation says the bridge will remain closed until an investigation at the crash site is completed. Most traffic is being routed around East Bay Drive, trucks are required to make the long detour onto the I-5 corridor.
Gas Price Average Falls to $3.20
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Florence went into free-fall over the past few days, dropping 20-cents a gallon. Today’s average is $3.20… that’s 63-cents a gallon less on average than Labor Day Weekend.
The average price in Oregon, according to Triple-A, is $3.36… the lowest average price since February.
The national average price is at a four-year low according to Triple-A. It fell to $3.09 a gallon this week and, according to analysts, could dip below the three-dollar mark in the coming weeks. Drivers have not seen prices at that level since 2010.
Free Pumpkins… Rain or Shine
The 25th annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway is set for this afternoon… rain or shine.
Hundreds of free hot dogs and treat bags will be passed out to kids at Florence Saw Shop and Old School Furniture from three to five with the pumpkins will be distributed at four sharp.
The event is underwritten by Florence True Value.
Approximately 20 different businesses and organizations will be entered in the 2nd annual Great Pumpkin Carving Contest. Two winners will split a $750 cash prize that will go to their charity of choice.
Best Selling Author To Speak in Florence
New York Times Best Selling Author Paul Greenberg will be in Florence Saturday to address the annual State of the Coast conference. The New York City resident’s second book, about seafood and sustainability, is called “American Catch” and describes what he calls a “real dilemma”.
Paul Greenberg – “The United States controls more ocean than any country on the planet and yet more than 85% of our seafood is imported, is coming to us from abroad. So that kind of conundrum sort of set me off across the country to understand why there was this weird disconnect.”
The State of the Coast begins at Nine AM Saturday at the Events Center… Greenberg is slated to speak at 9:15. Pre-registration is $35, that includes lunch and can be done at www.StateoftheCoast.com or that morning at the center. The conference is organized and presented by Oregon Sea Grant.
Compliance Sought for Business Personal Property Tax
Businesses in southwestern Oregon that haven’t voluntarily filed their 2014 business personal property tax forms are the subject of a combined collection effort.
Lane County Assessor Mike Cowles said his agency is leading the way in working with assessors in Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine and Klamath Counties. They’re trying to gain compliance from businesses that Cowles says, may not understand they are required to file. Oregon statute requires many businesses to file the returns by March 1st of each year.
Cowles said the seven counties are combining their resources with the primary focus this year being education.
