The budget committee recommended the payroll tax be imposed without voter approval back in May. Salem Reporter caught up with citizen members for their thoughts on the vote, proposed cuts and alternative measures.
Abbey McDonald
‘A smorgasbord of awful:’ council begins discussions of budget cuts
Salem councilors discussed alternatives to deep cuts should voters reject a wage tax, hoping to preserve the west Salem library, city jobs and maintain parks.
Kotek recommends 11 Salemites to state boards, commissions
Gov. Tina Kotek’s latest appointment nominations for state boards and commissions includes 11 Salem residents, who would oversee statewide drug policy, education and issues including home care and social work.
West Salem library, homeless shelters could be cut if payroll tax fails
City leaders released a plan outlining the next several years of proposed cuts to keep the city budget balanced if the payroll tax fails in November. The cuts would reduce programs at the Salem Public Library, limit park maintenance and increase wait times for emergency response.
EVENTS: Wine festival and live music in Salem this weekend
Events in Salem this weekend include a wine festival, a punk rock resource fair and an album release concert from Salemites Kristen Grainger & True North
Punx in the Park returns to give Salem’s young people a voice
A punk rock fair Saturday at Marion Square Park will give Salem’s homeless youth a platform, supplies and connections to help.
UPDATE: Councilors approve Northeast Silverton Road sewer rehabilitation
During their meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, the Salem City Council will hear the findings of the annual community belonging survey and consider a sewer rehabilitation project on Northeast Silverton Road.
City poised to withdraw effort from sobering center
Salem’s legislative committee plans to recommend that the city stop its years-long effort to fund a sobering center. The facility was intended to divert drunk or intoxicated people from hospitals or jail.
EVENTS: Where to dance, shop and play cornhole in Salem this weekend
Events the weekend of Friday, Sept. 8, to Sunday, Sept. 10, include several dance parties to classics, rock n’ roll and to traditional Celtic music. The Capital City Cornhole Classic returns, bringing hundreds of competitors to the capitol lawn.
Salem Reporter to conduct Town Hall as city voters face measure on new wage tax
A Town Hall open and free to the public will explore issues around Salem’s new wage tax. Salem Reporter is hosting the event Oct. 11 at the Elsinore Theatre. Voters will get a chance to decide whether the tax stays.