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Council approves license with Greater Florence Chamber to run McFarland State Park through 2028

Town Council of Florence · November 20, 2025

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Summary

Council approved a revocable license/lease with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce to operate McFarland Historic State Park through Dec. 31, 2028, including a funding package and contract terms; council discussion focused on separation of chamber vs. park duties, volunteer training and artifact handling, and a 60/90‑day notice term in the contract.

Council voted unanimously to enter a revocable license and lease with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce for management of McFarland Historic State Park through Dec. 31, 2028. Town staff explained the arrangement constitutes a professional services agreement for the town’s visitor center operations; the package presented to council included both the management contract and planned grants the council has historically awarded to the chamber.

Staff said the combined amount to be paid this year (grants plus contract) is approximately $71,744 and that the town calculated a cost‑of‑living adjustment using an aggregate of Social Security and regional measures. Council members asked for — and staff described — safeguards including a 60‑day notification provision (contract language includes a 90‑day extension with 60‑day notice in some sections) so the town or the chamber can terminate if expectations are not being met. Council also discussed volunteer turnover and training for handling artifacts; state parks has required accredited training for museum objects and council asked staff and the chamber to ensure training and inventory protocols are in place.

Councilmember Maldonado (the chamber liaison) and staff said a joint walk‑through with the state had taken place and that the state indicated support for continued operations under the town‑chamber arrangement. After discussion about roles, hours, training and expected performance, a motion to approve the revocable license and lease carried unanimously on reverse roll call.