Joe Siess
Joe Siess is a reporter for Salem Reporter. Joe joined Salem Reporter in 2024 and primarily covers city and county government but loves surprises. Joe previously reported for the Redmond Spokesman, the Bulletin in Bend, Klamath Falls Herald and News and the Malheur Enterprise. He was born in Independence, MO, where the Oregon Trail officially starts, and grew up in the Kansas City area.
City reports 19 million gallons of sewage spilled after West Salem pipes failed
The city of Salem is in contact with farmers and landowners in West Salem and Keizer about damage and cleanup procedures after two pipelines failed in December. Discharge data indicates West Salem residents heeded city directives to reduce water usage, city officials said.
Salem city councilors move toward levy on May ballot without consensus on amount
On Tuesday, Salem city councilors decided to move forward with a plan to ask voters to pay more in property taxes to help fund the library, parks, and Center 50+. If voters do not accept a levy, the city will have to make drastic cuts across all city departments to plug a nearly $14 million budget deficit.
Despite frigid temperatures, local Republicans enthusiastic witnessing Trump’s inauguration
Leaders of the Marion County Republicans were part of a retinue of Oregonians in Washington, D.C. for President Trump’s inauguration Monday. Mike Slagle, the chair of the Marion County Republicans and the organization’s Vice Chair Jessica Davidson said the nation’s capital was cold but enthusiastic as the country swore in its new president.
Salem budget committee discusses rosier, but still severe budget deficit projection
The Salem city budget committee met on Wednesday night to discuss the updated projection for the city’s budgetary deficit. Last Friday, the city announced that its forecast review team, a group convened by City Manager Keith Stahley, downgraded the deficit projection from about $18 million to roughly $14 million.
Salem city councilors vote to form new committee to find budget efficiencies
A new city budget group was suggested by the the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties. It will include community members accustomed to working with large, organizational budgets.
Mayor Julie Hoy says she’s focused on livability as city faces budget crisis
Mayor Julie Hoy was sworn into office Monday night and is already set up in her new office at the Salem Civic Center where she will spend the next two years as the face of Salem and the city’s leader.
UPDATED: Varney proposes city charge Salem Chamber for budget efficiency committee
Mayor Julie Hoy and three new city councilors will be sworn in Monday for the Salem City Council's first meeting of 2025.
Julie Hoy jumps right in as she prepares to be mayor, but her plans remain unclear
Julie Hoy will be sworn in Monday as Salem’s mayor, eight months after winning the office. She’s been busy attending meetings and events around the city in preparation, but has said little publicly or to local officials about specific plans for her office.
Playground, picnic tables coming to Hayesville’s Parkdale Park
A state grant is funding the development of Marion County’s Parkdale Park, bringing a place for people to gather in northeast Salem. Work is expected to be finished this summer.
Outgoing Mayor Chris Hoy talks tax reform, homelessness and the budget crisis
As Salem Mayor Chris Hoy prepares to leave his post he remarked on topics ranging from homelessness, the critical need for statewide tax reform and the city’s looming budget crisis. He said the road ahead for the city will be tough but he is proud of the progress he and his colleagues on council have made. He looks forward to getting more time to devote to loved ones and hobbies after a 36 year career in public service.