Florence board approves public-works contracts, insurance renewal and directs moratoria drafts

The Florence mayor and board on Nov. 4 approved multiple maintenance and repair contracts, renewed employee health insurance, and directed the city attorney to prepare or update moratoria and policy language.

Street Director David Myers recommended awarding a $5,000 contract to A J Construction, Inc. for a 6-inch asphalt patch on Main Street (lowest of two bids). On Myers’ recommendation the board also approved an additional $1,730 payment for invoice #25-2510 to locate and cap a 4-inch line at Main and Church Street. Park Director Mark Hester recommended and the board approved Brandon Concrete, LLC’s $4,500 quote to replace a damaged concrete pad at the community center and approved a $5,542 quote from Nathanel Smith to furnish and install fence slats at the tennis courts (lowest of two quotes). Each vendor award was moved and seconded and carried by unanimous vote of those present; two aldermen were recorded absent for some votes.

On personnel and policy matters, the board voted to renew employee health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi effective December 2025. The board also directed City Attorney Bobby Lingold to update the board order on a moratorium for used car lots and to draft a separate moratorium limiting the number of service/gas stations, both actions authorized by unanimous votes. The board further directed Lingold to update the city sick leave policy to mirror state policy and to work with Mayor Trey Gunn on updates to water and wastewater policies and fees.

Why it matters: The approvals cover routine but tangible repairs affecting streets, parks and municipal utilities, and the moratoriums and policy updates could shape future business permitting and personnel rules.

What happens next: Vendors may proceed under the approved quotes and the city attorney will prepare draft moratorium language and policy revisions for future board consideration.