Siltcoos Water Warning
A blue-green algae bloom was identified on the Kiechle Arm of Siltcoos Lake last Friday resulting in a warning being issued by Dunes City at the request of the Oregon Health Authority. The cyanotoxin level at that site is above drinking water values for vulnerable people, including children under 5, pregnant women, the elderly, and the immune compromised. The Oregon Health Authority recommends that raw lake water not be ingested by these individuals. The general population, however, is not affected. The Boy Scout Camp, which tests its water on the west side of the Boy Scout peninsula, reports no presence of cyanobacteria at their site. Also, local public water systems, such as South Coast Water District, that draw from Siltcoos are testing clear of toxins after treatment. The main concern, however, is expressed for those homes that draw out of Siltcoos for their domestic water source as most home water treatment systems may not reduce or eliminate the toxin and boiling and camp-style filters are not effective either. The best bet is to limit any form of ingestion (drinking or cooking) of the water from Siltcoos until we get the all-clear from the Oregon Health Authority.” Efforts are being made by the City to contact each Siltcoos Lake use permit holder.
Residents to Receive Tax Bills
Lane County taxpayers will receive their 2018-2019 property tax statements beginning today. Statements are available online now, as well as information about the county value trends, levy changes, and individual property tax account information at www.lanecounty.org/AT. The first payment is due on November 15, 2018. Lane County Assessment and Taxation collects property tax on behalf of 85 separate taxing districts, including cities, schools, education service districts, water districts, rural fire districts, urban renewal districts and other taxing districts such as park and recreation, library and ambulance districts.
The total property tax certified for all tax levies combined in 2018-19 is $548.5 million. This is approximately 6.3 percent more than in 2017.
Photo Contest
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for the best amateur or professional photos of the fun, frolic, famous attractions, iconic buildings, and beautiful scenery of Oregon’s Coastal Playground. The winner will collect a $250 cash prize and have their submitted photo featured in the Chamber’s resource guide and other printed marketing pieces, on their website, and in social media. A panel of Chamber members will decide the winner. The winner will be announced the week of November 19. Deadline for entry is November 15, 2018. For more contest information, entry forms, and image release waivers visit FlorenceChamber.com/Contest.
