Florence city council told of steep insurance costs
Bill Henricks, insurance agent for the city of Florence, was present Monday afternoon to update the city council on changes facing coverage for city owned structures.
Henricks told the council the insurance industry pays little attention to county assessments or real estate appraisals when determining the amount for which a structure should be insured. He said the insurance industry looks at replacement costs. The premiums for three structures in Florence need to be adjusted, Henricks told the council.
The water tower is over-insured and the premium will be reduced for a saving of $122. The current city building will see an increase if the city decides to use it after the city offices are moved to their new location. The increase to cover that building will be $140.
The big blow came when Henricks announced that the building that houses the Florence library will take a monumental jump of nearly $650.
After discussion, Henricks agreed to seek a different carrier for the library and bring the information to the next council meeting.
All policies will remain in effect until April 15 of next year when they are up for renewal.
Police Chief Creighton Smith shared a card and petition he and his department received this week from the citizens of Florence. The thank-you card, signed by more than 100 residents, was in appreciation for a significant drug bust made recently by the Florence police department and members of the Marion County Sheriff's department.
In other business the council:
— heard from county sanitarian David Brazil about the solid waste assessment which will go into effect for Marion County Jan. 1.
— approved a cereal malt beverage license for Johnson's General Store.
— approved a resolution to adopt generally accepted accounting principles. This resolution is adopted by the city on an annual basis.
— agreed to have city attorney Bob Brookens examine the ordinance on U-turns and J-turns on Main Street and offer an opinion on the enforceability of the city ordinance.
— heard from city superintendent Stuart Funk that the 8th Street intersection is repaired and ready to be re-opened and that the repairs on the 6th street intersection have begun.
— went into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel with ambulance head Patty Williams and city police chief Smith.
No action was taken after the session with Williams. Following the session with Smith, the city agreed to hire Ken Hoffman as a part-time police officer.
