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Your Friday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

Some pieces of the city budget are shifting as Salem’s budget committee approaches the end of its review for 2024-25 spending.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

On Wednesday, the city’s budget committee talked parks and police funding. Managing Editor Rachel Alexander has a recap of the meeting below, but the main points:

  • The committee unanimously restored a police department graffiti abatement position that had been cut, paying for it out of city savings
  • Committee members generally agreed they’d like to find ways to turn on at least some splash pads, maintain some neighborhood parks, and/or restore money for some summer movies and concerts, but wanted more numbers and data before making a decision on how much to spend and where to take the money from

The committee already voted to restore library funding during an April 17 meting. The Salem Public Library cut hours in January, but it won’t see further cuts or closures in the next year.

Their next meeting is Wednesday, May 8.

We’re in for a classic rainy Oregon weekend, but if a drizzle doesn’t faze you, two big events are on tap Saturday: Sheep to Shawl at Willamette Heritage Center, and the inaugural Northwest Taco Fest at Riverfront Park. Our previews of both are included below if you missed them earlier this week.

We’re leaving the link to our voter’s guide in our email newsletters until Election Day so you have it handy whenever you get around to filling out your ballot.

Here’s some of our latest coverage. Find all our coverage on our website here.

www.salemreporter.com

Budget committee restores graffiti abatement, but splash pads up in the air

Members of Salem’s budget committee recently considered ways to keep city funding for splash pad operations and other parks maintenance and events this summer. The committee wants more city details…

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www.salemreporter.com

Salem archaeologists dig up 1840s ceramics as search for Methodist parsonage continues

Salem’s award-winning approach to archeological preservation will be showcased on Saturday during a public event at the Willamette Heritage Center.

Read more
www.salemreporter.com

Salem voter’s guide to the May 21, 2024, primary election

From Salemu0026rsquo;s mayor to Oregonu0026rsquo;s top law enforcement official, local voters have plenty to weigh in on this month. Ballots were mailed to voters starting May 1 and need tou0026hellip;

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www.salemreporter.com

Sheep to Shawl brings wool arts to life Saturday

A free event Saturday, May 4, at Willamette Heritage Center includes sheep shearing, fiber arts and a chance to view the archaeological dig on the center’s grounds.

Read more
www.salemreporter.com

It’s taco time: Northwest Taco Festival makes its debut in Salem

A celebration of all things taco will take over Riverfront Park Saturday, with human and dog costume contests and plenty to eat.

Read more
www.salemreporter.com

EVENTS: Watch weavers, buy books, eat tacos

Events from May 2-9 include seasonal markets, a plant sale and a concert by 1980s hitmakers.

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NEWS TIP? Send your information or idea to [email protected]. If your topic requires confidentiality, contact Managing Editor Rachel Alexander: [email protected].

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