Mayor measures economic development one job at a time
The approval of an annexation request earlier this week by the Florence City Council is just one more step in an ongoing economic development process. That’s according to Mayor Joe Henry…
Joe Henry – “We’ve been working on several fronts really hard for two years and this is just one little success. Not so little, it’s a pretty good size success.”
That’s because he sees it as eventually creating a handful of jobs when the commercial building on Highway 126 just east of Florence is finally completed. Those small successes have been the aim since Henry was first elected two years ago. He says he doesn’t see the value in trying to recruit a single large employer.
Joe Henry – “It’ll be difficult, both from a construction cost and space, to have an employer that has a hundred or 200 people. And the downside is if they decide to pack up and leave the devastation they would have on our economy.”
That’s why, he added, efforts under his guidance have focused on increasing opportunities for existing employers as well as working hard to encourage more small business.
Wet pumpkins
The Original KCST Great Pumpkin Giveaway will take place today no matter what the weather may be.
2 ½ tons of pumpkins are already lined up at Old School Furniture on Sixth Street. Hundreds of treat bags for kids under 18, along with hot dogs and root beer, are ready to be handed out to all comers from three to five.
The event, presented by Florence True Value, is in honor of the 28th anniversary of the original sign-on of KCST November 1st, 1988.
Refill on Pink Martini
In 1994 Thomas Lauderdale dreamed of eventually becoming Mayor of Portland. As such, he went to lots of political rallies where he says he found the music played there left something to be desired.
A year later, he contacted a former college classmate, China Forbes, and they formed the nucleus of what would eventually become a world renowned musical act… Pink Martini.
When the Friends of the Events Center and SeaCoast Entertainment teamed up to bring Pink Martini to the Events Center for two shows, November 18th and 19th, both quickly sold out.
But says Jennifer Connor, marketing specialist at the FEC, they have added seats in the orchestra section. They’ll go on sale beginning Monday, October 24th and will be available only at the walk-up ticket window at the FEC. Connor said there won’t be any online sales. Tickets are the same price as the rest… $49 each. She expects them to sell out quickly… again.
Property tax statements in the mail
Ballots won’t be the only thing in mailboxes in the coming weeks. Lane County Assessor Mike Cowles announced this week that property tax statements will begin showing up as early as tomorrow in your mailbox.
The total tax bill for all properties in Lane County combined is 3.7 percent higher this year than last year. The grand total, according to Cowles, is $495.7-million.
Most of the increases can be accounted for by a 3.3-percent average increase in taxable values county-wide.
While the county assessor collects the nearly $500-million; it’s done on behalf of 83-separate taxing districts, including cities and schools as well as a variety of agencies such as fire, ambulance and library districts.
The first payment is due Tuesday, November 15th.
Medicare Open Enrollment Offers Difficult Choices
Between now and December 7th, Oregonians who are Medicare enrollees must review and make any changes to their health and prescription plans for 2017. Joyce DeMonnin, with AARP-Oregon, says selecting the correct plan can be confusing.
Joyce DeMonnin — “In Oregon, we have a program called the State Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program. It is one of the best volunteer programs, and it’s all throughout the state. And if you need help picking the best Medicare plan for you, check out SHIBA volunteers and they will help you.”
Lane County oversees the SHIBA (SHEE-buh) program in our area. The main office in Springfield can be reached by calling 800-722-4134.
Department of Revenue warns of “deadline” scam
Scammers and con artists are always coming up with new ways to separate you from your money.
Ken Ross manages the anti-fraud efforts of the Oregon Department of Reveue. He said scammer claims seem to pop up around key deadlines. True to form this week, several people reported receiving letters that appeared to be from the Department of Revenue in relation to this week’s deadline for extension-filed income tax returns.
Ross said if your taxes are on the back of your mind, when you can an urgent demand for payment, it might seem more legitimate than what it really is.
He said the best advice is to simply slow down. Scammers don’t want to wait so they try to force you into rushing. Another tip is to verify… if you get something in the mail that looks questionable, call a published phone number for the agency listed. And don’t talk to callers that are badgering or threatening… if you don’t trust someone… simply hang up.
