The annual Salem Speaks Up! Event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, will give Salem residents a platform to share their experiences living in the city with neighbors and community leaders.
City News
What’s next for Salem-Keizer intersection following demolition of welcome sign
City crews last week tore down a brick structure at the Salem-Keizer border where the cities’ “working together” sign has been destroyed by car crashes repeatedly. Salem’s Public Arts Commission will consider replacement ideas early next year.
Former Salem police sergeant acquitted of DUI
Former Salem police Sgt. Dustin Wann is not guilty of driving home drunk from a West Salem party in May 2023, a state judge found after a day-long trial on Monday. The verdict came after an earlier trial in August ended in a hung jury.
UPDATED: City council votes to settle worker’s comp claim, discrimination lawsuit
Salem city councilors will vote Monday on spending $65,000 to settle workers’ compensation claim by a former police officer, and $75,000 to settle a pending lawsuit from a former Salem Municipal Court employee who claims she suffered a hostile and discriminatory workplace.
Salem’s first year of commercial air service brought $19 million to local economy, consultant says
Salem’s first year of commercial air service brought roughly 55,000 passengers to Salem. But the city lost about $480,000 on airport operations because of increased staffing required.
Salem City Council votes to study property tax levy to fund parks, library, Center 50+
Salem city councilors directed city staff to move forward with a plan to put a five-year levy on the May 2025 ballot to help fund parks, the library and Center 50+. Councilors will discuss whether to ask voters for more money during a Jan. 21 work session.
Despite poor polls, Salem council may explore property tax increase to fund library, parks
Salem city councilors on Monday will decide whether to ask city employees to study a property tax levy for the May 2025 ballot. If they move forward, the council would discuss the possibility in January.
Ballooning retirement costs a major contribution to Salem’s budget crisis
The city of Salem expects to spend about $11 million more next year on pension obligations after a state rate increase.
City search continues for violence coordinator but temporary job poses challenges
At a Salem City Council work session Monday night, Police Chief Trevor Womack said the city needs to hire a manager to coordinate violence reduction work, but the job’s temporary status has been a concern for candidates and Salem leaders organizing such efforts.
Z.E.U.S.: Turner eighth grader picks winning name for Salem’s electric street sweeper
The people have spoken and Z.E.U.S — short for Zero Emission Utility Sweeper — will be the official name of the city’s new electric street sweeper. An eighth grader named Zaidee Salazar from Cascade Junior High school in Turner made the suggestion, which won a public poll last week.
