Commissioners Mull Financial Concerns
West Lane County Commissioner Ryan Ceniga came away from last week’s federal funding confusion feeling positive. The Board of Commissioners discussed how to handle the uncertainty when it comes to operations of several “Federally Qualified Health Centers” overseen by Lane County Public Health.
“We will continue to fund those out of our coffer as a short-term solution.”
Ceniga admitted that earlier in the week concern was running high. However he added
“The level of concern is certainly coming down as time goes on.”
He doesn’t expect any long-term ramifications for now. But he said there are some financial worries on the horizon as work begins on the 2025-2026 budget.
“It’s going to be a tough budget cycle for a lot of reasons. Funding has remained the same and the cost of doing business has just skyrocketed. I think everyone is feeling this with inflation and everything else.”
He expects there may be some “belt tightening” this year but is confident that long term fears will not be significant.
Fire Safety
As Los Angeles starts to recover, residents across the Pacific Northwest are being reminded of the risks that wildfires pose. Timothy Ingalsbee, with Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics and Ecology, says firefighters are quickly overwhelmed by today’s fast-moving wildfires. He says simple, pro-active measures such as sweeping your roof of debris, keeping your gutters clean and installing screens on roof vents are cheap and very effective ways of protecting homes. However, these efforts are not just up to individuals, says Ingalsbee, adding that we need to approach the problem as a community.
“Because if you do all these things to protect your home, but your neighbor doesn’t, it’s your neighbor’s house that will catch fire and then put yours at risk.”
Ingalsbee urges people to keep lawns mowed, and warns not to leave flammable objects close to the house. He says keeping up on these chores, as well as implementing more controlled burns outside of urban areas, will go a long way to protecting communities from wildfires.
Humane Society Event
The Oregon Coast Humane Society is hosting its first-ever “Arts & Cats” Fair on February 15 and 16 at the Vintage House in Old Town Florence. The event, featuring local artists, crafters, and adoptable cats, coincides with the Florence Wine, Chowder, and Glass Float Festival. OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson says the fair offers a great opportunity to connect with potential adopters. Inspired by a generous donation from longtime supporters, the event will showcase needlepoint, jewelry, and more, with proceeds benefiting animal care. The OCHS Thrift Store will also hold a 20% off sale.
Radio Auction
This coming Friday coast radio will be having its winter Auction with more than 115 items from local businesses going on the chopping block. The twice yearly action is a private auction that is intended to give listeners a chance to bid on items from local businesses. There are Items like furniture, carpet, appliances and gift baskets along with dining packages from Florence’s popular eateries. The auction supports the radio station, give advertising value to local businesses and saves listeners up to 60% on items they buy every day. On Wednesday and Thursday morning on KCST there will be warm up items beginning at 9:15 and then on Friday the full auction begins at 9:15 on KCST and KCFM. Bid numbers are available by calling the office at 541-997-9136, there is no obligation to purchase if you get a bid number and no financial information will be collected.