[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6139541,"mediaKeyId","5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c","parentId",5580751,"title","Florence Police attain reaccreditation; council approves SRO agreement and patrol rifle purchases","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",7661000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c&start=7661&end=7661","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c/thumbnail_7661000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6139541/Florence/Pinal-County/Arizona/Florence-Police-attain-reaccreditation-council-approves-SRO-agreement-and-patrol-rifle-purchases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139541-27056d2a91ca399f672497b9655cbcbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079828&Signature=QkcHFM~k0bBg8psaQSuPpYh1SwFM6FnUIBn6o58xiVfnnwAGEeycs2OVzmawxxBOPVu6KaILjYwruF3S1BFaWC5YuVSVlgirVJ7oDs0KxKAMQO~TlDiZPeWgaMhNtvIGHuTi40MC8ldpMSLU3fFV4u-PifEIQzFswsA6HcDc-GakhWPc73s69uK3HyVr6Z6KAOrwL~SHYTSkgxCOJEouDs9MWSVw1Ox34AYW19DoXikFtIAFsp4yzp5jadDY0zUoZmhnJgPAD2z6u4AjtjSiaqdv3ZZvN840iVplTGvcWuKqvqyQxA5jNfgHx85M-gvNvh831WlcHRLU3R0Y4MlI9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Florence, AZ ","date","2025-08-07T20:45:06Z","article","Town officials reported on Aug. 5 that the Florence Police Department successfully completed reaccreditation under the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

Town staff said department leaders compiled the required proofs across multiple years and presented them to the accreditation commission without questions; staff characterized the result as unusually strong and praised the work of department leaders and support staff.

At the same meeting the council approved consent items that included: (1) an intergovernmental agreement with Florence Unified School District to provide three school resource officers; and (2) the purchase of 40 patrol rifles with optics and suppressors through a state or cooperative procurement in an amount not to exceed $76,953.08. Staff emphasized these were budgeted items and said the new equipment would replace older, loaned rifles that had been in use.

Why it matters: Reaccreditation is a standards‑based recognition of policies and procedures; the SRO agreement and equipment purchases affect school safety, departmental readiness and the department’s equipment inventory. Town staff said the SRO IGA and rifle purchase were part of routine budgeted public‑safety expenditures.

What’s next: The police department and town staff will complete contract paperwork for the SRO agreement and process procurement for the rifles. Council members encouraged public recognition of the department’s accreditation and noted continued coordination with schools on safety planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting August 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Town officials said the Florence Police Department was reaccredited under Arizona law enforcement standards; the council approved an intergovernmental agreement to fund three school resource officers and authorized purchase of patrol rifles and related optics and suppressors.","taxTitle","Florence, Pinal County, Arizona","taxId",51043,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6139544,"Florence Unified superintendent warns of enrollment‑driven shortfalls, pitches $98 million bond for safety and renovations",390,6509000,6899000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c&start=6509&end=6899","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c/thumbnail_6509000.jpg","/articles/6139544/Florence/Pinal-County/Arizona/Florence-Unified-superintendent-warns-of-enrollmentdriven-shortfalls-pitches-98-million-bond-for-safety-and-renovations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139544-82c60f02898bc73bc86005637afc5f61/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079828&Signature=BQmzRciw~r9XreJINdW6CxUJRyt~-taNrfB~c5ccEe46H9QM6dn9kdoJC3~PejqG6ZMn0IYY6Ux81S1igai9fvplVVONzv4O9iDeC5e125HY0r8s8cgP77Ij858CKSFAeEKKadnmDKGqNsBrn8JJpdZbSH~aF-b8qyULyXWF5pWSoyI0Nb5vqsKw5fSg3QVwuBkJG4lBA2NBS44W6YN~kS1CmyGrQqlMTVqhAi8PMFGjEcgHKc7lfg-CSodgcv-leRc4ZaTFPap~4ag5Mk3ZdU85YULgOlklsC6LP71O3zJC7pjT~KFSRhIKtK1vnXGrFe4eXDuLXxyFmqNRDaBn~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Florence Unified School District Superintendent Chris Knudson reported to the town council on Aug. 5 that the district is experiencing enrollment declines that have forced one‑time budget shifts and prompted plans for a facilities bond.

Knudson said state funding rules based on prior‑year enrollment left the district $4.7 million short in capital funds last year and required moving that amount from capital into maintenance and operations to balance the budget. He said the district is budgeting for a 3% enrollment decline in the coming year and described pressure on capital funds used for roofs, HVAC and other long‑term needs.

To address building upgrades, safety and transportation needs, Knudson said the district plans to propose a $98 million bond. He described priorities including school safety measures (upgraded entry systems, intercoms, metal‑detector options and improved lockdown capacity), HVAC and renovation of Florence Middle School (an estimated $13 million need), new buses and other capital work.

Knudson said the district is working with roughly $5 million in annual capital set‑asides but that those dollars do not meet current needs; he also noted the district owns 26 and 23 acres of property that it does not expect to develop and could preserve as a buffer while using the proceeds of other assets to help sustain programs.

The superintendent thanked the town for its work to help supply school resource officers and for donating vehicles that will enable the district to maintain its behind‑the‑wheel driver‑education program, which the district has kept affordable compared with private providers. He urged community engagement on the bond and said a kickoff meeting would be scheduled.

What’s next: Knudson said the district will continue planning and outreach on the proposed bond and expects public information and a formal ballot measure in the months ahead; councilmembers offered support and asked staff how the town could help.","Superintendent Chris Knudson told the council the district lost about 2% of enrollment last year and shifted roughly $4.7 million from capital to operations to balance budgets; the district plans to propose a $98 million bond to address safety, HVAC and campus renovations.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6139548,"Florence council approves sale of Bruning Camp building; council earmarks proceeds for redevelopment uses",4644,327000,4971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c&start=327&end=4971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c/thumbnail_327000.jpg","/articles/6139548/Florence/Pinal-County/Arizona/Florence-council-approves-sale-of-Bruning-Camp-building-council-earmarks-proceeds-for-redevelopment-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139548-36002ceb470fa7260613c0aedcdfc476/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079828&Signature=K7uOVyMRj8rGjlNRsRXvGQ7VlOUEvUcvcS4Ve0qUYKg4~VvdBpvSI8nZZvamrWbGfTUq-ZJ~F4gEZYH2g5HDg~Sd1mXJh4h3rBkZZ2WtqsvDwUTAnJe8roDQH5eQtQNJAUv03vqZcr1toDvH~O7fKTgdhUPasugFw488MnqS7L9WNOz0rT83c13yM~ESYx8N~6ZdiqCEMF9lqA8qav8UJrnkAOhOnIRZ80jtEPGd6UH8kuQKxGvD~3iTE5Fbn26ABQHaESyU8WLO2pMY1GdECFdYD0RtKt2QJRgE79TgnKImyfYrAmjj2JI~mUtcCuRAlrbwN4VdGsycTtVENZOMxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence Town Council voted Aug. 5 to authorize the town manager to execute documents to sell the Bruning Camp building at 291 N. Bailey St. for $190,000.

Town staff said the sale candidate, the current occupant, scored highest in a committee review that evaluated maintenance plans, historic preservation experience and compliance with code. Town Manager reported the buyer received 388 out of 400 points from the review committee; council approved the sale by unanimous vote.

Why it matters: The town owns several historic buildings and covers their maintenance costs. Manager Walls told council that proceeds from the sale would flow into the town’s redevelopment area and could be used for façade improvements, redevelopment projects or other uses allowed in the redevelopment plan.

Public comment: Bonnie Barriola, a member of a planning committee preparing a Jason Lopez memorial event, asked council to consider using some of the Bruning Camp sale funds to underwrite a life‑size bronze statue and related plaques and signage for a memorial planned for Dec. 27 in Jason Lopez Heritage Park. Barriola said local foundries make bronze statues and urged staff and council to consider the feasibility of using redevelopment funds as a backup if private donations fall short.

Council action and next steps: After staff described the procurement and review process and the committee scoring, council adopted the ordinance authorizing the sale and declared an emergency to finalize the transaction. Councilmembers said the purchaser’s track record and the proposed stewardship of the property informed their vote. Staff said they would return with closing documents and a notation in minutes that the sale proceeds are to be available for redevelopment‑area expenses in line with the redevelopment plan.","Council accepted a $190,000 offer and approved an ordinance selling the Bruning Camp building to a current occupant, concluding the town’s review of proposals and opening the way to use proceeds for redevelopment projects.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6139553,"Florence council approves land‑use changes for Lighthorse battery storage project amid safety and revenue debate",2027,529000,2556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c&start=529&end=2556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580751-b402b5ca28328911516e7dd599bc3b6c/thumbnail_529000.jpg","/articles/6139553/Florence/Pinal-County/Arizona/Florence-council-approves-landuse-changes-for-Lighthorse-battery-storage-project-amid-safety-and-revenue-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139553-c7c4977b9fe9238f71c436328e215cdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079828&Signature=XKIYl8TiD-KCaMF~WOhfdyqfW6FiFn93rblIAq0b1rY2Spy~mcnjC1wLgtbkf71IEGLpK8nMu8hcf0pWffXOAhPSbP7nycQdNqLHDuoC3dgk~RX36ZE45X0zWVHI06LVRoDbMn04b1Fxcxz6G2M5yI5a-uux3C-te52LjqdH9l3uofF2rdx5Xrzh-1N5xEn4PvTiQ~E5ql0RTOi56EPVoVcvZ3~c4DtULOXbA3iA7V9P4ayT7-YQKa59c4Y95uRJg7Pg8WtfXLHsfoxlCwuAg3JpzE1htKrsaIyOKgQCdKJ5f7YeDg6BoIYqaqGsovqWHJnkFA6onjXaeaLEtE8Hcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence Town Council on Aug. 5 approved two ordinances to allow a utility‑scale battery energy storage system on about 40.9 acres east of Attaway Road and south of Judd Road.

The council voted to adopt the minor general‑plan amendment (ordinance 762‑25) and the corresponding Dobson Farms planned‑unit‑development amendment (ordinance 763‑25) that add battery energy storage systems as a permitted use and change the site’s place type from suburban neighborhood to industrial.

The project, presented by John Gillespie of the Rose Law Group on behalf of ES Volta Development LLC, is proposed as a 400‑megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS). Gillespie told the council the developer expects the facility to store power and redistribute it during peak demand; he described it as “a 400 megawatt, utility scale battery, storage system” and said the applicant could connect directly to an existing SRP substation north of Judd Road.

Why it matters: Council and staff framed the change as part of a broader shift in northern Florence toward industrial uses driven by utility infrastructure and long‑range transportation planning. Staff said ongoing utility investments and proposed corridors make industrial designation appropriate for the northern sections of town. Supporters said the facility would add property tax revenue and grid reliability; opponents and several council members pressed for protections on fire response, landscaping, and setbacks.

Public comment split. Melissa Cordero, Arizona lead organizer with Veterans Power America, said the project would bring “reliable proven technology” and improve grid resilience for residents. Resident Kathleen Lehman opposed the amendment and questioned whether residents would receive lower electric bills, raised concerns about removed landscaping at nearby solar sites and asked about fire response times. A resident asked how the toxicity from a container fire compared with a house fire; project representatives and town staff said industry studies and town code changes reduce propagation risk and that current designs emphasize separation and monitoring.

Safety and standards. Council members and staff stressed the town’s recent adoption of the 2024 International Code Council standards related to BESS and cited consultation with the fire department and developer commitments to training, emergency response plans and setbacks. The applicant proposed a minimum 100‑foot setback between the enclosures and adjacent residentially designated lots and an 8‑foot perimeter wall with landscaping outside the wall. Project representatives said enclosures are typically 8 to 10 feet high, arranged in rows on concrete pads, and that ES Volta — the owner‑operator candidate — has projects in operation nationwide and has not recorded a fire at its sites since 2017.

Traffic, land‑use sequencing and fiscal impact. The applicant and staff said BESS sites generate little traffic once built; construction would create short‑term activity. Gillespie and staff provided town staff and planning‑commission review information and offered a projected property‑tax revenue stream the applicant described as new revenue to the town and taxing districts (the applicant estimated a town share of roughly $1.5 million over the life of the project and additional revenues to schools and other districts). Council members asked how revenues would flow and how incorporation or boundary changes in neighboring areas might affect long‑term funds; staff responded those are separate jurisdictional issues but said the project would generate new revenues where it sits.

Process and council action. The planning and zoning commission held hearings in June and forwarded a favorable recommendation. After public comment and council discussion about codes, setbacks and emergency access, the council took separate votes to approve the minor general‑plan amendment and the PUD amendment with the stipulations on setbacks and landscaping that appeared in the staff report. Roll call votes on both ordinances were unanimous in favor.

What’s next: The approvals change the town’s land‑use classification and PUD language to permit BESS at the site. Final design, site‑plan review, traffic‑improvement details and construction timelines will follow; the applicant estimated breaking ground around 2028 and bringing the project online around 2030. Council members said those future steps would trigger review of half‑width road improvements, site plan requirements and any additional mitigation measures the town and applicant agree are necessary.","The Florence Town Council voted to amend the general plan and the Dobson Farms PUD to permit a large-scale battery energy storage system proposed by ES Volta, approving both ordinances after public hearings and hours of questioning about safety, setbacks, traffic and revenue.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

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Florence Unified superintendent warns of enrollment‑driven shortfalls, pitches $98 million bond for safety and renovations

Florence council approves sale of Bruning Camp building; council earmarks proceeds for redevelopment uses

Florence council approves land‑use changes for Lighthorse battery storage project amid safety and revenue debate