Council Meeting
The Florence City Council is considering approval of Resolution No. 22, Series 2024, which would allow the City to apply for a grant from the Oregon Department of Aviation to fund airport improvements. The Oregon Department of Aviation has opened the 2024-2025 Critical Oregon Airport Relief (COAR) Grant Program, accepting applications through October 25. COAR, funded by a two-cent-per-gallon fuel tax, helps airports meet federal match requirements, fund emergency preparedness projects, and support local aviation infrastructure. The city of Florence plans to apply for a $12,500 grant to cover the design and engineering costs for replacing the aging airport beacon and wind cone with energy-efficient LED lighting. The total project cost is $125,000, with 90% funded by the FAA.
The Council will also vote on Resolution No. 23, authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Lane County to provide $338,000 for upgrades to New Hope Lane.
Other agenda items include the approval of the annual evaluation process for City Manager Erin Reynolds, acceptance of a $125,000 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant, and two liquor license applications for Safeway and the Rambling Rose Restaurant & Lounge.
Measure 118
On the November ballot Measure 118 would impose a 3% gross receipts tax on Oregon businesses with over $25 million in annual sales. Unlike a traditional sales tax, this tax applies at every stage of the supply chain—potentially adding costs at multiple points, from raw materials to the final retailer. By the time a product reaches consumers, it may have been taxed several times, making it significantly more expensive. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is urging voters to vote no on Measure 118, warning that the tax could lead to higher prices, job cuts, and even business closures in the community.
Mushroom Festival
The 2024 Yachats Mushroom Festival, happening October 18-20 on the Central Oregon Coast, invites you to dive into the fascinating world of mushrooms. Learn how these remarkable fungi are shaping breakthroughs in science, space exploration, and environmental cleanup, while also playing a key role in ecosystems. Explore mushroom identification, foraging, and cooking tips from experts, or join one of the guided Mushroom Walks through the Siuslaw National Forest. Enjoy mushroom-inspired dishes at local restaurants and bring your own finds for identification. To learn more, visit YachatsTreasureHunt.com!
