City budget proposal calls for new police to focus on downtown, drug trafficking

Salem would add four police officers, keep a new fire department crisis team and continue expanded homeless camp clean-ups and outreach under the city’s $816 million budget proposal. 

Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi unveiled her budget recommendation on Friday, April 10. 

Namburi strikes a generally positive tone, but foreshadows higher utility bills to maintain Salem’s sewer, water and stormwater systems.

It’s the first time in several years that city councilors won’t be contemplating deep cuts…