Cases Confirmed by OHA; Levy Money Used Appropriately; New Bond Measure?

Cases Confirmed by OHA

The Oregon Health Authority is confirming the first case of COVID-19 in the state.  On Friday a staff member of the Lake Oswego School district was believed to have the virus, but it took until yesterday to confirm it.  There are 3 presumptive cases yet to be confirmed, but overall there have been 50 persons under investigation since January 24 with 29 confirmed Negative cases and 18 cases still pending.  Locally authorities with Peace Harbor hospital are coordinating efforts in case of a local coronavirus confirmation.  As of yet there has been no indication that the virus has made its way to Florence.  This afternoon on Our Town Peace Harbor director of clinical services Robin Allen and infection preventionist Lisa Baxter will be our guests to explain the precautions the hospital is taking and what the public can do.

Levy Money Used Appropriately

An annual independent financial audit of the jail levy revenue has found that funds continue to be used as promised.  Sgt. Carrie Carver with the Lane County Sheriff’s office released a statement that the 6th annual audit conducted by Moss Adams, LLP shows that the money provided by the levy continues to work to maintain 255 jail bed, 8 youth detention beds and 8 youth treatment beds for critical youth services.  Sheriff Cliff Harold says the levy has not only opened more beds for the jail but also allows more robust mental health services.

New Bond Measure?

After a bond measure for a new courthouse failed last year Lane County has been trying to put together a proposal to revamp the design and come up with some savings to still build a new facility.  They have already come up with a 20 million dollar reduction in costs by eliminating several courtrooms and onsite evidence storage.  Lane County has also secured an additional 87.6 million dollars in state funding, but now a new bond must pass voters by the spring of 2021 in order to receive the funding.  Lane County plans to reveal the new plan to the public during an open house at the current courthouse in Eugene on Thursday March 12, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm