Voters Approve Levy Extention
Voters in the Siuslaw School District have overwhelmingly approved the renewal of the levy that will provide additional operating funds for Siuslaw Schools. Almost 63% of voters cast a yes vote that will renew the current levy until 2024. The levy provides funds for programs that may otherwise be scrapped or severly cut in the areas of vocational classes, fine arts and music, physical education, and some online classes along with some tech classes. Siuslaw School Superintendent Andy Grzekowiak says it is a positive thing for Florence.
“We’re very pleased here. We’re glad to see that the community came out and strongly supported schools to make sure that kids get what they need for a full school year as well as electives that help them with career and college development.”
The vote extends the current levy in place and will not cause an increase in taxes. Currently a 250,000 dollar home generates $187.50 in support of the measure.
For complete Lane County 2017 Special Election Results use the link below.
https://apps.lanecounty.org/currentelection/CurrentElection_Results.pdf
Board And Committee Openings
The City of Florence has announced openings on several boards and committees. There are a total of 10 different committees that are accepting applications for qualified applicants. Positions need to be filled and are set to begin on February 1st. City Recorder, Kelli Weese, says this is an excellent opportunity for people to volunteer their services on significant matters to the community. Applications are available on the city’s website at ci.florence.or.us.
“There’s links on the homepage so it’ll say apply for a board or committee and then there’ll be a link for how to apply and for the job descriptions basically for each of the different committees.”
You also have several options for filling out the applications
“You can actually apply online. you can get a printable one online and print it at home and fill it out and either mail it or bring it by city hall.”
Deadline for applications is December 31st.
Boat Registrations Due
If you own a boat you may soon be hearing from the Oregon State Marine Board. Approximately 75,000 registration forms are being sent out in the state for boaters whose registration ends December 31st. Boaters have three renewal options. The quickest is the online store at boatoregon.com/store. After completing your transaction you are given the opportunity to print out a temporary permit to use immediately and there is no fee associated with using a credit or debit card to pay for your registration. The cost for registration is billed by foot. It is $4.50 per foot rounded to the highest foot and there is a $5.00 invasive species fee that helps to pay for dock inspection stations, decontamination equipment, inspectors, signage, and education materials. The online store can also be used to register new boats, apply for a boater education card or to apply for a charter license.
Taxpayer Scam Alert
The Oregon Department of Revenue says it has received a spike in calls from taxpayers regarding threatening calls they have been receiving from people claiming to be from the IRS. The scammer is asking for personal information such as social security numbers and credit card information. The department of revenue says that they do not ask for such information and that you should call 800 356-4222 to check the validity of any such calls that you feel are questionable. The Oregon DOR says that they will always send a letter before making any calls to taxpayers and that they do not threaten jail time for non-compliance.