Category City News
Cuts discussions continue at Salem City Hall
During a work session Wednesday, the Salem City Council didn't seem to favor "extreme" cuts scenarios and considered reductions hitting multiple departments. The discussion came less than two weeks before voters will decide whether to implement a payroll tax to fund city services.
Oregon’s Medicaid renewal process boots eligible children, adults off the plan
At least several thousand were affected while thousands of others who don’t qualify for Medicaid will keep their insurance
NW Natural gas rates decrease Nov. 1
Regulators on Thursday announced a natural gas rate decrease for NW Natural, which supplies gas for the Salem area. A typical home would pay about $8 less per month.
COLUMN: Local government grows, but population grows much faster in Salem
Over the past two decades, the Salem area's population has grown 24%. Paying for employees to keep up with growth is a challenge, columnist Pamela Ferrara writes.
UPDATE: Councilors approve sidewalk repair guidelines
During their Monday, Oct. 23 meeting, the Salem City Council approved a grant for case workers for people who are homeless, and opted to further discuss proposed changes to the sign code.
Salem City Council to discuss alternative cuts
The Salem City Council meets Wednesday to discuss ways to address its budget crisis if the payroll tax fails in November. Among the hypothetical scenarios is closing the library to retain police and fire, or to keep shelters open. They’ll also hear the feasibility of cutting vacancies and adding furlough days.
Homeowners see modest tax increases as Salem property values rise quickly
The tax break for Amazon’s Salem distribution center is up this year, meaning the company owes $1.6 million in property taxes to fund local government and schools.
Salem plans the next decade of sidewalk repairs
During their Monday, Oct. 23, meeting, the Salem City Council will consider a plan to allocate $18.2 million to sidewalk and crosswalk projects from the infrastructure bond voters approved last fall.
Your questions about Salem’s proposed payroll tax and budget challenges, answered
Dozens of people posed questions about Salem's proposed wage tax at Salem Reporter's Town Hall. As ballots go out, we're answering as many as we can.