SDC Ordinance Passes
After last month’s discussion on continuing the System Development Charge deferral program ended in a 4-1 vote to extend the debate, the Florence City Council met Monday to further deliberate and vote on the ordinance. Councilor Robert Carp spoke against the measure, saying he did not believe it was a good decision to give developers a break. Carp cited a KVAL News survey showing that 96% of respondents believed government was not using tax dollars wisely.
“We’re voting here to give developers exemptions on funds that should go to fix our infrastructure and maintain our infrastructure, but we’re taxing our residents.”
Over the life of the program, developers have been spared more than $975,000 in fees as an incentive to build more affordable, smaller homes. Mayor Rob Ward said that while many homes larger than 2,000 square feet are out of reach for first-time buyers, the deferral program helps encourage construction of smaller, less expensive homes. Carp previously noted there are more than 300 properties currently listed for sale in the area, many of them fitting the smaller-home category. Following additional discussion, with the remaining councilors agreeing the ordinance continuation provided an overall benefit, a vote was called. Councilor Carp was the lone dissenter, and the measure passed 4-1. The SDC deferral program will continue for another year.
PeaceHealth Names New CFO and Exec Vice President
PeaceHealth has named Matt Swafford as its next executive vice president and chief financial officer. Swafford will join the health system on September 21, replacing interim CFO Ric Magnuson, who has served in the role since last year. Swafford brings more than 36 years of experience in healthcare finance and currently serves as CFO and senior vice president of strategy and finance for St. Charles Health System in Bend. PeaceHealth President and CEO Sarah Ness says Swafford’s people-first approach makes him a strong fit as the organization works to strengthen care and services across the communities it serves.
Gas Prices Rising
Gas prices are climbing again as renewed fighting in the Middle East pushes crude oil prices higher and raises concerns about global oil supplies. AAA reports the national average for regular gas jumped 16 cents this week to $4.02 a gallon, while Oregon’s average rose 6 cents to $4.57. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says Oregon saw one of the smallest increases in the country, but drivers should still expect higher prices in the near term. In Florence, the average price for regular is currently $4.38 a gallon.
