Levy Measure to Make Ballot in May
Lane County Commissioners unanimously approved a measure for the May 16th ballot that would renew an existing tax levy that has supported more than half of the operation of the Lane County Jail for the past decade. Sheriff Cliff Harold stressed this would only continue the 55-cents per thousand levy originally approved by Lane County voters in 2013 then subsequently renewed again four years later.
“Now we’re coming to the voters and asking for another renewal. This is not a tax increase, we’re just asking the Lane County Community to continue to support this baseline level of jail functionality.”
Before voter approval, jail funding was so low officials could only staff 125 jail beds, something that often led to a “catch and release” situation. Levy renewal would maintain a minimum of 255 local jail beds allowing greater capacity to hold violent or repeat offenders avoiding the situation officials faced repeatedly before the first approval.
“We just had no ability to hold anybody long enough to resolve their Circuit Court cases.”
As a result offenders would be arrested, booked into the county jail and, at times, be back in the community before the transporting police officer could get back to his or her jurisdiction.
LCPH Releases Suicide Report
Lane County Public Health released a report yesterday on the instances of suicide in Lane County. The report documents cases over the past 20 years in Lane County. Roger Brubaker is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Lane County Public Health and says suicide is a serious problem in Lane County and feels the data will bring awareness to the community as to how serious it is. the report says 1458 people have died by suicide for the period and the rate has increased by 80% over time and Lane County is 65% higher than the National average. It also says that rates of suicide in Florence, Junction City and Cottage Grove were almost double the county average. More information about the report and support is located at preventionlane.org
Radio Auction
Today begins the Radio Auction warm ups. Wednesday and Thursday Morning Coast radio will feature 4 items each day in preparation for the 130 items that will be auctioned off on Friday. The auction is a public auction and not a charity auction. Twice a year the stations trade advertising for items from local businesses and then auction them off to the listeners usually resulting in large savings over retail prices. The full auction on Friday will begin at 9:15 and last until about 3 pm on both KCST and KCFM. The station recommends that individuals wishing to bid on items get a bid number from the station. There is no obligation to purchase an item, but the bid number streamlines the process for the bidder. It only requires a Name and Phone Number. Bid numbers are available at 541-997-9136 until the auction begins on Friday.
Chamber Flowering Baskets
The Florence area chamber of commerce is once again partnering with Florence Public Works for the annual flowering basket program. Chamber president and CEO Bettina Hannigan says they hope to hang at least 130 baskets this year on Bay Street and along highway 101 and Highway 126. Individuals, businesses and service organizations are encouraged to participate in the program. The cost for a basket is $100.00. information on the program is available at the visitors Center on Highway 101.
