Saphara Harrell - Salem Reporter
Minimum wage workers will soon see extra on their paychecks
A map of the minimum wage increases across Oregon starting July 1. (Courtesy/Oregon Employment Department) Low-wage workers in Marion and Polk counties will get a 75-cent raise starting next week when the state’s minimum wage increases for the fourth time…
Salem’s budget by the numbers: here’s what the city is doing with taxpayer money
Salem City Council Chambers. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The Salem City Council on Monday passed a $748 million budget as the city faces an economic crisis and communities across the country are demanding significant changes to police funding and practices. Hundreds…
Should Salem reallocate some of the police budget? Here’s what local citizens are saying
Salem City Council Chambers. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Hundreds of comments have poured into Salem city councilor’s inboxes ahead of Monday’s city council meeting where it will vote on the 2020-21 budget, including the Salem Police Department. All told, more than…
AGENDA: Salem City Council will vote on budget Monday
Salem City Hall. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The Salem City Council will consider adopting a $752 million budget at its Monday, June 22 meeting. The council has received hundreds of pages of comments from citizens about police funding as conversations emerge…
To increase seating capacity Salem will close a portion of State Street to allow for outdoor dining
A couple sits outside of Ritter’s Housemade Foods during the first phase of Salem’s reopening on Friday, May 22. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) One Salem street may resemble something closer to a European café Saturday when the city launches a pilot…
Nearly 100 apply as the city extends aid to Salem businesses left out of relief efforts
Cindy Gerkman prunes geranium planters outside of Ritter’s Housemade Foods on May 12, 2020. Ritter’s Housemade Foods reopened for business on Friday for take-out and delivery after being temporarily closed. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Small Salem businesses left out by other…
Marion County Fire District says to expect slower responses to emergencies if staffing cuts take hold
Marion County Fire District 1 is expecting to make staffing cuts following a levy failure last month. (Courtesy/Marion County Fire District 1) Facing a $2.4 million budget shortage, Marion County Fire District No. 1 is planning to cut staffing and…
The Marion County Fair is still on for this year, but will be virtual
Hailey McKenzie, 15, left, and sister Madilyn, 12, pose for a photo with their 4-H sheep on Wednesday, May 27, outside of Jefferson, at the farm of a family friend where they house their animals. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The Marion…
The most used bus line in Salem is poised to go electric
Recently sanitized and reconfigured Cherriots buses are seen at the Del Webb Operations Facility on Monday, April 6. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Following through on one of its strategic goals, Salem’s transit agency could have electric buses on the road starting…
Salem businesses in need have a new place to turn – City Hall
A sign in the window of Coin Jam on March 17, 2020 announcing a closure during the COVID-19 pandemic (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Salem businesses that could use a cash infusion and haven’t received other pandemic financial aid can apply for…