[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6518914,"mediaKeyId","5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702","parentId",5383734,"title","Votes at a glance: Florence Council approves multiple ordinances, annexations, franchise and resolutions","audioSeconds",1416,"startMs",1742000,"endMs",3158000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702&start=1742&end=3158","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702/thumbnail_1742000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518914/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Florence-Council-approves-multiple-ordinances-annexations-franchise-and-resolutions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518914-6dca9e87cf5af6b506d23685375113c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155712&Signature=eZYYmdjw~6twoFvqb8uUwS-Rk3SsR8-C3n0THEAkByoIL2CjL04G4NzXw5s6e6ygUxW3Azd4s2x0XKB7ZIbhTPMUOV7UUCa2EoARF1uy4nFrshX75a5mDARkKWAUK1lFO1FjRvwJGeIqtq93dSfonRALU~2sFEzk8JvN8c2FnX3203EcU9-bCPlV~bXvlte6AuMDfWssvKvagDYrmTgsReGl-yIB8GwmrBOAb4lv4~bq5y5Tcis0RM~i1xRlrS6hC6LvsHAUXVXhG-Uav0OfTh3Ci0Uwuzoqw92rZYeeAtx8Goca87hnvmpLdMrfscx-glaKZlUKWYbfXteAtwbN7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Florence South Carolina","date","2025-07-15T06:37:02Z","article","At its meeting, the Florence City Council approved a sequence of ordinance readings, annexations, a telecommunications franchise and two resolutions. Key actions and short descriptions follow.

- Bill 2025-23 (second reading): Amend business license ordinance to update documentation requirements for initial registration and annual renewal. Outcome: passed.

- Bill 2025-24 (second reading): Series ordinance authorizing and providing for the sale of hospitality fee revenue bonds not to exceed $15,100,000 (Series 2025). Outcome: passed.

- Bill 2025-25 (first reading): Update Appendix B (business license class schedule) consistent with South Carolina Business License Tax Standardization Act (Act 176 of 2020); new schedule effective 05/01/2026. Outcome: passed on first reading.

- Bill 2025-26 (first reading): Amend Ordinance 2024-14 to expand projects eligible under combined water works and sewer revenue bonds (aggregate principal not exceeding $270,000,000). Outcome: passed on first reading. (See separate article for project details.)

- Bill 2025-27 (first reading): Grant franchise to Lumos Fiber of South Carolina LLC to use public rights-of-way for construction and maintenance of telecommunications network facilities. Outcome: passed.

- Bill 2025-28 (first reading): Declare surplus and convey certain real estate parcels to the Housing Authority of Florence (two parcels on Oakland Avenue) to support a proposed community facility. Outcome: passed.

- Bill 2025-29 (first reading): Annex and zone RG-2 parcel on Pelican Drive. Outcome: passed.

- Bill 2025-30 (first reading): Annex and zone AC for lots on South Urbie Street; proposed commercial uses reported (car wash, Chipotle, Salvation Army rebuild). Outcome: passed.

- Bill 2025-31 (first reading): Annex and zone NC-15 for lots on Third Loop Road for two single-family homes; staff noted sewer easement requirements. Outcome: passed.

- Bill 2025-33 (first reading): Annex and zone NC-6.3 on Westfield Drive for proposed townhomes. Outcome: passed.

- Bill 2025-34 (first reading): Name an unnamed private road behind Target; Planning Commission recommended \"T Ed Bird Way.\" Outcome: passed.

- Resolution 2025-23: Authorize execution of amended subrecipient agreement with the South Carolina Office of Resilience for Pennsylvania Street stormwater infrastructure (amended total $5,100,000). Outcome: passed. (See separate article for project details.)

- Resolution 2025-24: Approve disposition by the Housing Authority of Florence of certain real property (59 parcels) to facilitate redevelopment and new construction; HUD review required. Outcome: passed. (See separate article for discussion.)

Ending: Most items passed without extended debate; several first-reading ordinances and major funding/resolution items will return for later actions or implementation steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Florence South Carolina Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a slate of ordinances (second and first readings), annexations, a telecommunications franchise and two resolutions including a $5.1 million stormwater amendment and a housing-authority property disposition; details and bill numbers listed below.","taxTitle","Florence City, Florence County, South Carolina","taxId",4287,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518920,"Florence to use $5.1 million state resiliency grant for Pennsylvania Street stormwater work, city says construction to start this month",171,2264000,2435000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702&start=2264&end=2435","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702/thumbnail_2264000.jpg","/articles/6518920/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-to-use-51-million-state-resiliency-grant-for-Pennsylvania-Street-stormwater-work-city-says-construction-to-start-this-month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518920-671c951cf3be7b9d34ee506ef0e5d85d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155712&Signature=kHIBsZMhCKnw9ed-Av8mLT1QnGY4Ldxb6NU5-pyS3IpcgcX9BkgfA0CdDXLxFaLpynirLWMjaLceNMPMKFFTVtUSjUK73HvnlCwSLPpCKg2Rt82TDfVqb~0uQvXx1Qh9yFWw40hZAn8eJXKy7o~JN7HvJQpe43HYN-j5HPOpeLAAV3P7k3x1H2SwukhRR5F27EMYh0yrsZ-Yh-3PHLTo6RCyn2oNHZg4-R9wfDcNkJK0i~hC-WoXwt3S7M9-soxQYHkoWaxQmYyyqOrQRya6k77AZNgamyhTPcv6FhUesiyK8EPcmuchILvArkCtOyuawYswsHGWg7ghfiKoogEYTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence City Council authorized City Manager Scottie Davis to execute an amended subrecipient agreement with the South Carolina Office of Resilience that increases the stormwater subaward for the Pennsylvania Street watershed to $5,100,000.

Clint (city staff) explained that the city originally received roughly $2.6 million in 2023 and an additional $300,000 in 2024; after bidding the project the lowest construction bid required extra funding, and the Office of Resilience agreed to increase the award to cover the contract. Staff said a pre-construction meeting will be held in the week of the 21st of the month and crews will mobilize shortly afterward.

Council members asked for location and schedule details. Staff described the Pennsylvania Street watershed as northwest of the city center, noted the project area from Darlington Street north to Harmony Street, and said the design and permitting work has proceeded for roughly two years, including DOT permitting and easement work. The city said the contractor aims to complete the project well before an April deadline tied to grant obligations and that work should finish in early 2026 if schedules hold.

Staff also summarized stormwater investment overall: a 2021 stormwater bond of $7 million plus $14 million in grant funding the city has received brings roughly $21 million to stormwater work to date.

Ending: Council approved the amended agreement and staff said construction activity will begin within weeks; the project remains subject to contractor scheduling and material availability.","Council authorized City Manager Scottie Davis to execute an amended subrecipient agreement for a $5.1 million Office of Resilience grant to complete Pennsylvania Street stormwater infrastructure; staff said the project will start soon and aim to meet an early-2026 completion deadline.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518925,"Florence approves Housing Authority request to dispose of 59 properties; council and residents press for relocation safeguards",409,2469000,2878000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702&start=2469&end=2878","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702/thumbnail_2469000.jpg","/articles/6518925/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-approves-Housing-Authority-request-to-dispose-of-59-properties-council-and-residents-press-for-relocation-safeguards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518925-4f087b795b4d88874a6f80719b53d438/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155712&Signature=kptRa76W9FJWX-Cl6u1BDsgbnEKjVxGmo5bwFo3Bo5HTTRWmhJqTH18YyZ-IlSSA1xmZU~VHqimMUlL4WOMyG3LiIMvako1M3NKDh4XaYKbJyrg7XN01FntPOBLSyuSwjtY6lX-uqaDJ91egksiU7SGJJpyXwk6l568hFlR7g0vNXagdN5U6OaEnMzEXJHL2gWmeeliUcLuiDjpb0S5tiBucxF9ff~63K1h1Dw8ujCZurWcY3YEZAVErNZxQNdBF7tHVl1keiduO5Qs-hZ~MM7B4P9dymYdqMsBWxLwiFJQ4Dns0dkeMY4vWCOsliFQyXEyQvAkRoVhdFgXD3zGZJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence City Council voted to approve Resolution 2025-24, which authorizes the Housing Authority of Florence to dispose of 59 parcels of real property as part of a plan to construct new units and modernize the authority's housing stock.

City staff told council that 7 of the 59 properties are vacant and 52 are currently occupied. Council members raised concerns about displacement and affordability during discussion; Councilman Neesmith said he worried the plan could exacerbate a local housing shortage and displace families in low-income neighborhoods.

Housing Authority representatives responded that they do not plan to put existing residents \"out on the street.\" The authority said it will offer multiple relocation options including moving residents into other public-housing units as vacancies arise, providing housing choice vouchers to allow tenants to seek units on the private market, and offering a homeownership program to qualifying residents. The authority also said it will hold required resident meetings and follow HUD's process for property disposition.

Staff reminded council that the authority must also secure approval from its board of commissioners and HUD before finalizing sales. The council member who supported the transfer said the properties were purchased by the city to remove blight and that a planned redevelopment could include community spaces, an art gallery and a community room.

Ending: The resolution passed after council discussion; the Housing Authority and HUD must complete their review and resident consultations before properties can be transferred or repurposed.","Council approved a resolution allowing the Housing Authority of Florence to dispose of 59 properties as part of a plan to replace aging units; Housing Authority officials said no residents will be left without housing and described vouchers and homeownership options, while some council members urged caution to avoid displacement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518929,"Florence council expands water and sewer bond projects, earmarks $80 million for water-quality work",392,1946000,2338000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702&start=1946&end=2338","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702/thumbnail_1946000.jpg","/articles/6518929/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-council-expands-water-and-sewer-bond-projects-earmarks-80-million-for-water-quality-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518929-8032bb38d2b9bdffb4de3809cee30cd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155712&Signature=ffkEQ1kxjHQ89ghXr4vHlePRnv~Wgn3Nv~fQZ~~snJtpY5BxwewRklmWfYb6DZHYB6~0sMFelsa08ojqIFvxT~XHVUqdZd9CUXOZMaEHAMxKmsZa6im8NDvZthbILEJ0Li-bIy4Y74OcoYJK2YldQKjc2xZJumWhFBThQpdqE1jpFd0BIBCc5k~fXOCttPHXRlAp31hq-VfAMZO-yQ4c2i6EI4hrvLkdKwP1~0mztdGcYFnWM7AtZoCpi6kmAWb-zb2vKd6v9Gt68ig2K0iTINMwq3Njllyz8nwMoQOMAT5Dy-VyMiNdmfJTeJ7yPQopaf1yXA0ScWC2PDj~8iLlxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials told the Florence City Council they plan to expand the definition of projects covered under a previously authorized water and sewer bond ordinance to include additional sewer maintenance, an interceptor upgrade and immediate work to address water-quality problems.

The council approved first reading of Bill 2025-26, which amends Ordinance 2024-14 and expands the list of capital improvements that may be funded under combined water works and sewer system revenue bonds the city previously authorized in 1985 (as amended). City staff said the ordinance would allow the city to include projects such as sewer maintenance in East Florence, improvements to the Timmonsville-Florence interceptor and work addressing recurring Jeffersons Creek issues.

City Manager Scottie Davis described the package's scale and timing: the city now plans to increase surface-water capacity from 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 gallons per day and is allocating $80,000,000 of the bond proceeds to water-quality work intended to reduce the high iron content that residents have reported as \"brown water.\" Davis said the larger program would rely on multiple funding sources and estimated the overall program of projects would be at least a five-year effort. He said the city hopes to close financing in October and begin work after design and contracting are complete.

Davis emphasized contingencies for the schedule: weather, contractor availability, supply-chain and pricing risks could extend timelines. The council voted in favor of first reading; staff said subsequent steps will include engineering, bidding, and scheduling for construction phases.

Ending: The amended bond ordinance remains subject to follow-up council readings and final financing arrangements; staff said individual project schedules will be published as contracts are awarded.","Council approved first reading of an ordinance broadening projects covered by a previously authorized bond; city officials said the package increases the planned surface-water capacity and sets aside $80 million to address high-iron \"brown water.\"",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518934,"Florence confronts police staffing shortfall; council adds cameras, drones and bonuses to cope",243,967000,1210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702&start=967&end=1210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383734-8e1ca71ff71e3e8aae30db13b1316702/thumbnail_967000.jpg","/articles/6518934/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-confronts-police-staffing-shortfall-council-adds-cameras-drones-and-bonuses-to-cope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518934-907b9f838f378f8409f24677f90d7a71/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155712&Signature=A5zjNHlygzk2KCvgoXetDUhAQ4-JUKxeM4wIF--MU2gcK2j6-NnzoiDT9tLt~MKxp8fr7jMu51g634qbdA5aTJEUbU2yEyCRCbmcjjwlcksHk0uAW1hAJmtGTTYNKhpCuo9yQAbVQWFf4abHM6Ruks6ls2x4JgLGO6Ng8niS6X5CihlRo8dailtpxPiWbv2OUT5HBYt25CmKPVNkXs7~GlvO-hfhRm5YfoYRqGUwnKjC4P3NpUQSxrmOSCGKMH8GBcn8xEKWUQAUOrGR6XJqqzXYIbiXf0Hw6kw2-AFeVrpOUlyTxedotQEA24WoxrOQpJBso5TsMxEUmhmuq3Qn8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pam Osborne, a Florence resident, told the City Council that fewer officers on patrol \"can lead to increased crime rates\" and urged action to prevent slower response times and reduced community policing.

The concern drew a response from Chief Heiler of the Florence Police Department, who said the department currently has 14 open sworn positions out of a total authorized force of 95 and described steps the city is taking to maintain public safety while recruiting and retaining officers.

\"Right now, we are 14 officers, positions that we can fill, out of 95,\" Chief Heiler said, and he added that four officers are in training and four are on family medical leave, reducing the number of officers available for patrol.

Heiler described technology investments intended to reduce demand on patrol officers: a signed contract to add 36 additional Flock cameras (which he said increases the department's deployment to 66 cameras), expansion of an autonomous drone program with plans to place drones on the South and West sides of the city, and a new real-time crime center that staff will expand by training younger recruits to work in the center.

City Manager Scottie Davis announced financial incentives the city is offering to aid recruitment: a $1,500 sign-on bonus and a $500 finder's reward for referring applicants. He said the chief is also working with Human Resources on a retention bonus.

Council members pressed for details about how quickly new technology would come online and whether those tools would meaningfully reduce patrol workload. Councilman Bailey asked whether the additional Flock cameras and drones were already under contract; Heiler said the Flock contract is signed and the department expects the equipment to be deployed to strategic areas shortly. Councilman Neesmith Jackson asked how flock cameras affected personnel needs; Heiler replied, \"Oh, significantly. Yes. Absolutely.\"

The department said recruitment efforts also include wrapped public-transit buses, billboards and regular social-media outreach. Heiler pointed to a national trend of police staffing challenges and said Florence's staffing shortage is comparable to but smaller in percentage terms than some nearby departments.

The council discussion and public comment left several questions for follow up: the department described current vacancy and training counts, the city manager listed sign-on and finder bonuses, and Heiler described an ongoing multiyear technology rollout. No formal motion or ordinance resulted from the public comment portion of the meeting.

Ending: Council members thanked police and other first responders for their service and said they would continue to pursue recruitment, retention and technology strategies.","Residents raised alarm about a shrinking police force; Police Chief Heiler said 14 sworn positions are open and outlined technology and recruitment measures, while city leaders said bonuses and camera purchases are underway.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Florence Council approves multiple ordinances, annexations, franchise and resolutions

Florence to use $5.1 million state resiliency grant for Pennsylvania Street stormwater work, city says construction to start this month

Florence approves Housing Authority request to dispose of 59 properties; council and residents press for relocation safeguards

Florence council expands water and sewer bond projects, earmarks $80 million for water-quality work

Florence confronts police staffing shortfall; council adds cameras, drones and bonuses to cope