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Council approves revocable lease with Greater Florence Chamber to run McFarland State Historic Park through 2028
Summary
Florence will enter a revocable license/lease with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce to operate McFarland State Historic Park through Dec. 31, 2028; the contract includes an annual payment and event grant funding (combined ~ $71,400–$75,320 for 2025) and a termination notice clause; council debated separating park duties from chamber responsibilities and volunteer training requirements before approving.
The Town of Florence on Nov. 18 approved a revocable license and lease agreement with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce to manage McFarland State Historic Park through Dec. 31, 2028.
Town staff explained the arrangement is a professional‑services agreement to operate the town’s visitor center (McFarland Park) and that payments to the chamber cover visitor‑center staffing and operations rather than chamber business. Finance staff calculated that combined annual payments and grants for 2025 total approximately $71,400 to $75,320 depending on grant awards and allocations; the contract includes a notice/termination provision (the council and staff clarified a 60‑day notice with a 90‑day extension clause during discussion).
Council members raised concerns about commingling park operations with chamber duties and asked that responsibilities and funding be made transparent. Vice Mayor Adams and others emphasized the need for volunteer and staff training for artifact handling and standard scripts for visitor presentations; a chamber representative said training plans are in development and the group is onboarding four part‑time staff for McFarland. The council discussed a 60/90‑day notice provision and added oversight expectations.
Council voted to approve the lease by reverse roll call; the clerk recorded affirmative votes and the mayor declared the motion unanimous. Staff said the contract provides funding stability for the chamber to hire a director and operate the visitor center while the town continues to monitor performance and reserves termination rights under the contract’s notice provisions.
