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Siuslaw NewsWednesday, February 11, 2026 Florence, Oregon

Number 6 • 136 years

Florence City Council Reaffirms Immigration and Non-Enforcement Policy with Resolution FROM THE CITY OF FLORENCE

Council votes to keep Flock Cameras Reader cameras, continue its current contract with Flock Safety, and make legal adjustments if changes are made to ALPR laws at the state level. The meeting began with about 40 people attending, many holding small signs opposed to the use of the

By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

After months of meetings, work sessions, public comments and a work session, the Florence City Council voted 3-2 to continue using Automatic License Plate

cameras. As he has done several times during public meetings, Police Chief John Pitcher explained how the department uses the cameras. Pitcher said he’d spoken to Senator Floyd Prozanski, who’s among state legislators and

others working on laws, guidelines and restrictions related to the cameras. Prozanki is also active in creating measures that would limit the powers of immigration officers and allow residents to sue for See CAMERAS, Page A7

Correcting confusion on treatment center buyout By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

After County Commissioners approved a buyout agreement for former tenants at 4480 Highway 101 on Jan. 27 to allow for the site to be used as a drug-assisted opioid treatment facility, county staff noted an error. Jason Davis, Communications Director at Lane County Health and Human Services, said that after the meeting, it was noted that the language in the attachment to the board order was

incorrect. He clarified that the buyout agreement was not with Worker’s Compensation, as the sign on the front of the building would indicate, but instead with Nova Health, the name that preceded Best Med Health Clinics. According to its LinkedIn See CENTER, Page A6

Two previous uses of the building at 4480 US 101 were Workers Compensation and Best Med Health clinics

On Monday, February 2, 2026, during their regular meeting, the Florence City Council passed Resolution No. 1, Series 2026, a resolution of the City of Florence related to the City’s Immigration and Non-Enforcement Policy. In light of recent national events, the City of Florence and the Florence Police Department have received inquiries regarding immigration related enforcement at the local level. On January 8, 2026, the City Council met for a Work Session to consider a proposed statement addressing how the City may respond should immigration related facilities or activities occur within the City of Florence. The purpose of this session was to review existing State or Oregon laws, draft language proposed by members of the City Council, discuss its alignment with the City’s adopted values and work plan, and determine whether there was consensus to move the proposal forward for possible formal action. After a presentation from the City’s Attorney on federal, Oregon, and local law, the City Council requested to reaffirm the City’s policy on Immigration and Non-Enforcement. Resolution No. 1, Series 2026, begins with stating the Florence City Council adopted foundational values emphasizing compassionate public service and leading by example in its 2025-2027 Work Plan, https://www.ci.florence.or.us/ City-Council-Goals-Work-Plan. “A primary goal of the City of Florence is to sustain and improve the livability and quality of life for all residents and visitors,” the resolution See POLICY, Page A6

Work completed on 35th Street Florence Police Department updates FROM THE CITY OF FLORENCE

FROM THE CITY OF FLORENCE

In the last two weeks of January, the contractor completed all of the construction for the 35th Street Safe Routes to School Improvement Project. This includes the concrete construction work, asphalt repair work, and minor repairs. The road surfaces have all been restored to their original

The Florence Police Department is making assignment changes that community members may notice. School Resource Officer Hailey Coons has been assigned as the Department’s new Detective. Officer Coons joined the Florence Police Department in 2018 and has served

See 35TH, Page A6

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

Joggers take advantage of beautiful weather and new sidewalks along 35th Street. Tony Reed photo

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

See UPDATES, Page A6

Pictured are Officer Snyder, Detective Sgt. Coons and Chief John Pitcher at the Feb. 2 City Council meeting. Tony Reed photo.

1870 Hwy. 126, Suite A • PO Box 3040, Florence, OR