Council Moves Decision to July
The Florence City Council has delayed a final decision on whether to continue its System Development Charge exemption program after a split vote Monday night. Staff reported the city has approved more than $976,000 in fee reductions since 2018, including about $121,000 this fiscal year, primarily for smaller homes under 1,800 square feet. The program is intended to encourage housing development, though staff noted construction has slowed despite the incentive. During the public hearing, Councilor Robert Carp urged the city to reconsider the approach, offering an option
“Reallocate the transient lodging tax 30% to the chamber, 30% to the FEC, and 40% to the general fund for streets and infrastructure.”
Other councilors said the program remains a useful tool to support housing, but acknowledged it comes at the expense of infrastructure funding. The measure passed its first reading by a divided vote and will return to the council for further consideration at a future meeting.
Nursing Futures Tight
While hospitals like Peace Harbor continue to face staffing challenges, a new report suggests the pipeline of future nurses may be tightening. New data from the health care staffing platform Nursa finds Oregon ranks as the toughest state in the country to become a nurse, citing high tuition and low retention rates. Nursing students in Oregon pay nearly $19,000 a year in average in‑state tuition, placing the state among the 10 most expensive nationwide. The study also shows retention just above 60%, the lowest in the report. Researchers say financial pressure, limited support services, and work‑life demands are key factors. State leaders have invested millions into expanding programs and scholarships, but challenges remain. Federal loan limits may also add pressure for students. Looking ahead, federal projections show Oregon among the 10 states expected to face the largest nursing shortages by 2035.
Gas Prices Inching Lower
Crude oil prices are falling sharply this week, dropping below $80 a barrel to the lowest level since March after the U.S. and Iran announced an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. That’s easing concerns about global oil supplies and helping push gas prices lower. The national average for regular drops 12 cents to $4.04 a gallon, while Oregon also falls 12 cents to $4.98, slipping below $5 for the first time in weeks. Locally, prices have dropped about 30 cents over the past 2 weeks. Gas has been steadily declining since late May, but drivers are still paying about $1 more per gallon than before the conflict began, and it could take weeks before prices return to pre-conflict levels as shipping returns to normal.
