Public Service Fee Passes Council
The Florence City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday night establishing a new Public Safety Fee to address a projected $1.49 million shortfall in public safety funding for the 2025–27 biennium. Florence Police Chief John Pitcher outlined the department’s structure and emphasized the need for additional funding to maintain service levels. As part of a strategic plan, one current vacancy and one upcoming retirement will not be filled. The fee will apply to all developed residential and commercial properties within city limits—starting at $5 per month in July, increasing to $15 in January 2026, and rising to $18 by July 2026. The revenue, estimated at $1.8 million over two years, will support police operations, dispatch services, and the municipal court. The ordinance formally creates Florence City Code Title 1, Chapter 18, detailing the fee’s implementation and oversight.
Budget Approved
The Florence City Council unanimously approved the city’s 2025–27 biennial budget Monday night, adopting Resolution No. 10, Series 2025. The $77.1 million budget includes $67.2 million in projected spending and just under $9.9 million in ending fund balance—representing a 3.5% increase over the previous biennium. The approval follows the presentation of the budget message on May 5 and two budget committee meetings held earlier in May. The council also approved levying the city’s permanent property tax rate of $2.8610 per $1,000 of assessed value for each fiscal year in the biennium. The budget supports the City Council’s adopted 2025–27 Work Plan and reflects funding priorities for city operations and capital projects. A copy of the final budget is available on the city’s website.
City Sets up to Receive State Shared Revenue
The Florence City Council on Monday approved Resolutions No. 8 and 9, certifying the city’s eligibility and intent to receive State Shared Revenues for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The approval followed required public hearings and ensures Florence can access more than $2.2 million in shared state revenues over the next two years. Those funds include allocations from liquor, cigarette, and marijuana taxes, as well as state highway apportionments, and will support general government operations and street maintenance. The council also deliberated on extending the current system development charge ordinance that allows for developers to temporarily wave SDC charges until such time as an occupancy permit is required and a permanent waiver for accessory dwelling units. After a lengthy discussion a motion was made to significantly alter the current wording of the ordinance and for the city staff to redraft the ordinance and resubmit it at the June 30th meeting.
