Florence council advances $145 million budget that includes millage hike to fund police cameras, sports-park berm

Florence City Council on May 2025 advanced the first reading of a $145,011,050 proposed budget that includes a proposed 7.5‑mill increase in the city operating millage to pay for expanded public safety equipment, park improvements and other capital needs.

City fiscal staff and the city manager framed the budget as balanced but strained by lost state appropriations. Interim Finance Director Glenn Bodenheimer described the proposal as "a balanced budget of $145,011,050," and said it reflected "our continued commitment to financial responsibility, transparency, and the strategic priorities set by council." The package as presented includes $1.75 million in additional property‑tax revenue tied to the 7.5‑mill increase, targeted largely to 30 additional Flock public‑safety cameras, a downtown officer position and upgrades at the sports complex.

Council members and staff said the millage request responds in part to a late decision at the state level that eliminated expected appropriations. City Manager Scott (referred to in meeting as the city manager) told council the city…