Jail Levy Renewal
West Lane Commissioner Ryan Ceniga was in town this week to show support for the Jail levy that will once again come up for renewal in May. The levy was first enacted under then Sheriff Tom Turner years as Lane County Sheriff and enabled the sheriff’s department to increase the amount of bed available. Prior to the levy approved in 2013 the sheriff’s department was cut by 200 deputies and 100 more were laid off as a result of severe budget cuts from the county. At that time the jail was reduced to approximately 120 beds. Serious offenders were often released pending trial due to not enough room. The Levy, which costs taxpayers about 55 cents per $1000.00 of appraised property values enabled the jail to increase to 250 beds. But according to Ceniga the other benefit is the services that have also increased.
“78% of the mental health treatment that goes on in the jail is funded from this levy.”
He says the county is not seeking an increase in the levy, but rather just a continuation to allow the work to continue, not just for the safety of the communities, but for the treatment that the inmates might not otherwise receive. Election day is May 16th.
Results of Snow Storm
Areas around Florence reported seeing as much at 8 inches of snow in yesterday’s winter storm. Heavy snowfall was seen throughout the morning tapering off by early afternoon with some occasional flurries. The national weather service had initially predicted temperatures overnight in the teens, but along the coast most of the area stayed in the upper 20’s. however with wind chill numbers calculated in temperatures did feel like the teens. Up the river in Mapleton, the area did see colder temperatures with lows around 19 degrees. The next several days will see sunshine, but rain and possible more snowfall is predicted for the beginning of the workweek.
Wine and Chowder Update
Florence Area Chamber of commerce President and CEO Bettina Hannigan says the success of the annual Wine, Chowder and Glass Float Trail was evident throughout the area with high numbers of visitors from around the country and around the world. She also reported that businesses were filled with shoppers and revenues were up.
“I talked to Glenna Martin and her stores were packed and I talked with Tammy Butler from Blue Heron. She said that they went through over 500 appetizers in their locations. The weather couldn’t have been better.”
Hannigan says the move to a February slot helped to boost tourism along the coast in an otherwise down time for businesses.