November 1, 2012
More Jail Bed Closures Due Coming
Conversations about the possibility of Lane County Commissioners asking voters in the spring to approve a public safety tax levy picked up yesterday. Sheriff Tom Turner told commissioners he would be closing another three dozen jail beds by December First because of an “unanticipated” shortage in revenue. Turner is looking at the loss of at least $750-thousand this fiscal year because the U.S. Marshal’s office in Oregon will be housing fewer federal prisoners with him. That will bring jail capacity down to 135 beds for local offenders. That’s about 20-percent of the jail capacity of other counties in Oregon on a per-capita basis. Turner says he will lay off three deputies this month, plus eliminate three other positions that have been left vacant due to retirement or resignation.
Urban Renewal Infrastructure
Work begins today on the second phase of a major infrastructure improvement project in Old Town Florence. Contractors will pick up where they left off over the summer at the end of phase one says City Manager Jacque Betz.
Jacque Betz – “The major areas that will be impacted is Second Street at the intersection of Harbor Street and then they’re gonna proceed west after that.”
Much of the initial work will take place on First Street… at Oak and at Harbor, but the bulk of it is set for Second Street and will gradually make its way west over the next three months.
Jacque Betz – “And that project is probably not going to be completed until January. There’ll be some down time during the holidays.”
It will eventually wind up on the West side of Highway 101 at Kingwood Street. Phase three of the four-phase improvement is set to begin in the spring. The work is being funded by tax increment funding provided by the Florence Urban Renewal District.
Old Town Wharf
A pre-construction meeting for the Siuslaw Wharf rehabilitation project is set for tomorrow morning at the Port of Siuslaw Office. Port Manager Bob Forsythe says the ten AM meeting is open to all interested parties. Representatives of the construction and engineering firms replacing the supporting understructure beneath Mo’s and ICM Restaurants will be in attendance. Forsythe says regular announcements on the progress will also be posted on the port’s website.
Mail that ballot… but sign it first
Election officials in Lane County say today is the last day you’ll want to use the mail to return your ballot for the November Sixth General Election. All ballots must be received at the elections office… or one of 21 drop box locations… no later than eight pm Tuesday. Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart says today is the final day to use the mail and still be comfortable that it will arrive at her office in time. Betschart adds that you must sign the back of your return envelope or your vote will be invalid.
