The Florence Town Council on Sept. 2 approved a contract with Mike's Drilling LLC for $147,850.16 to drill and install a new water well at the Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds.

Why it matters: Town staff told the council the existing well is failing and does not provide adequate water for events. Council members who serve as rodeo liaisons said a reliable water supply is essential to attract events and increase revenue tied to the facility.

Public works staff presented the bid results and noted the low responsive bid fell under the year's budgeted amount of $175,000. Officials said drilling and installation should take about a week once the contract is in place; the new well will be sited inside the existing fenced rodeo grounds and piped to the existing chlorination contact and storage tank.

Several council members pressed for stronger revenue tracking and for clearer accountability from the facility's operators. One council member noted recent annual revenues recorded for the grounds were about $8,500 and asked the town to pursue higher rental and concession revenues consistent with the town's contractual arrangements; others said the new well is necessary for the facility to attract outside rodeos and grow revenue.

Council discussion also encouraged staff to maintain regular communications with the rodeo operators and concessionaire as the project proceeds. A motion to approve the drilling contract passed; staff said they expect construction to be completed well in advance of scheduled junior rodeo events.