During a recent city council meeting in Florence, significant concerns were raised regarding the local water supply and its management. A resident highlighted the critical nature of clean water, emphasizing recent issues such as water quality breaches and mainline breaks that have affected service delivery. The resident pointed out that the city has seen a 13% increase in water rates over the past year, with county residents facing even higher increases.

The discussion revealed that Florence has approximately 40,000 residents, with many households experiencing rising water costs without adequate representation in city governance, as county residents cannot vote in city elections. The resident questioned the transparency of the city's financial management, particularly regarding the substantial budget allocated for water services, which totals around $56 million.

City council members acknowledged the water issues and explained that the increases in rates are necessary to fund repairs and improvements to the aging water infrastructure. A $650 million bond referendum was approved to address these urgent needs, with council members urging patience as the repairs will take several years to complete. They reassured residents that financial audits are conducted annually to ensure accountability.

Council members encouraged residents to engage with the budget documents available online and to reach out to city staff for clarification on financial matters. They expressed a commitment to improving water quality and service delivery, emphasizing that the ongoing challenges are a result of inherited issues and necessary upgrades to the system. The council aims to keep the community informed about progress and developments in the coming years.