The Florence Town Council approved a pavement-preservation contract on Sept. 2 with Cactus Asphalt to chip-seal Franklin Road for an amount not to exceed $76,838.37.

Why it matters: Council members reported persistent dust complaints from residents on Franklin Road and discussed whether lower-cost measures — especially reducing the speed limit to 15 mph as described in Pinal County's dust-control guidance — should be tried before committing $76,838 to chip seal.

Council member Benzina (first reference as Council member Benzina) said she had spoken with residents on both sides of the issue and cited language from the Pinal County dust-control policy recommending speed reductions; she told the council she had asked an AI-based estimate about a 15-mph limit and that it predicted a roughly 65% dust reduction. Benzina asked the council to try lowering the speed limit and posting signs before approving the chip-seal contract.

Public-works staff told the council the town has already tried several mitigations, including weekly watering and regrading, installing a feedback speed sign to encourage drivers to slow from 35 mph, and placing millings on the roadway. Staff said the chip-seal treatment is expected to last about seven to nine years at current traffic volumes and that a preliminary cost analysis suggests the town's current maintenance costs could be recovered in roughly 18 to 20 months compared with ongoing maintenance.

After discussion, the council voted to approve the chip-seal contract as part of the consent agenda. Council members who had urged more study said they still supported approving the contract now given prior mitigation attempts and the town's need for a longer-lasting surface.