Housing Trends Improve; Deputy Accused Of Inappropriate Conduct; Fuel Prices Down Locally

Housing Trends Improve

Statistics show Florence is fairing well when it comes to housing growth.  In 2018 Florence added 48 residential housing units and more than 110 units in the past three years.  Per capita that is better than Eugene’s growth.  Florence’s increase was a .55 percent of total housing compared to Eugene’s .16 percent which is a decrease for Eugene from the previous year.  Florence in 2014 saw only a .18 percent increase or 15 additional housing units, but has been rising steadily since.  Mayor Joe Henry credits the city staff with making codes more user friendly as well as providing better customer service to builders and developers.  Mayor Henry expects more of the same when it comes to additional housing units for 2019.

Deputy Accused Of Inappropriate Conduct

A sheriff’s deputy is on leave after accusations that he sent sexually inappropriate texts and made sexual innuendos while on duty.  Two women have come forward with the accusations and criminal investigations are currently underway.  KEZI TV reports that one of the criminal investigations is being handled by Florence Police to avoid a conflict of interest with the Sheriff’s department.  Deputy Bryan Holiman is the officer in question.  Holiman is a 20 year veteran of the Lane County Sheriff’s Department.

Fuel Prices Down Locally

Once again Florence continues to buck the national trend of increasing fuel prices.  The average for a price of regular gasoline in Florence has dropped slightly again as the national trend inches higher.  The Florence average is now at $2.40 a gallon for regular gas which is two cents lower than last week’s price.  Nationally the price is up a penny at $2.26 a gallon.  Statewide the price has dropped .03 cents a gallon.  Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says despite an increase in demand this past week prices are expected to hold steady or even drop lower.  Current gas reserves are at 259.1 million barrels which is the highest level on record.