The Florence Detective Takes on City Hall

 

If you have questions regarding the inner-workings of Florence city government, contact the Florence Detective at flodetective@gmail.com

His latest report:

WELCOME TO 2024, GOT A THUMB TACK?

The 01/04/2024 meeting of the Florence City council was not exactly fireworks. The agenda had mainly housekeeping and bill paying items. There was a zoning hearing and a vote on a tabled rezoning item. Both were approved by the council over the objections of a neighboring homeowner in each case. The real estate developers won. Of course. What else is new?

Those who watched both the work session and the council meeting itself streaming live on Facebook had a problem with no volume for a portion of each broadcast. Some viewers contacted David Carson, who regularly attends the meetings in person, was present and got someone from the city to correct the problem. Thank you, Mr. Carson. While we are at it, thank you also for the work session being broadcast live and for the address of the city auditorium itself being added to the outside of the building and all notices of meetings online. David Carson is a controversial and polarizing figure. This reporter disagrees with many, well actually most of his political positions. But it must be acknowledged that he has done a great job in persuading those in power to increase transparency in Florence city government. At the “remarks from the public” portion of the meeting he brought up another idea which should be adopted by the council and mayor’s office ASAP.

Currently, there is a bulletin board in a corridor at city hall where paper notices of meeting times and locations are thumb tacked. If you are more of a “boomer” than “zoomer” think back to your days in elementary school. This board, in a dark hall in front of the city clerk’s office, is where meetings are listed which can result in millions of taxpayer dollars being discussed. Unless a citizen makes it a point to check it on a regular basis, the meeting can take place without any knowledge or input from those it will be affecting. It is not like you will pass it on the way to the lunchroom! David Carson suggested that there be an electronic calendar added to the city of Florence web page giving all meetings with times, location of meeting and description. What a great idea (someone has not thought of this already? OR HAVE THEY?)! Welcome to the 21st century Florence city government and take down the thumb tacks.