Category City News
Four upcoming budget committee meetings provide public chance to weigh in on cuts
Next Wednesday the Salem city budget committee will reconvene at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers to resume budget discussions in preparation for the next fiscal year. The city of Salem released its 2026 budget plan on April 9 which proposed significant reductions to staff and services primarily affecting the public library, city parks and recreation, and Center 50+.
By the numbers: what to know about the city of Salem’s budget proposal
Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi said she released her proposed budget Wednesday with a “heavy heart” amid deep cuts to some city services, including the library.
Proposed city budget closes West Salem library, shuts off splash pads at parks
The 2026 budget released by the city of Salem Wednesday reduces the Salem Public Library’s staff by more than half and cuts main branch hours down to 20 per week. The sweeping budget cuts also include the elimination of 30% of city park maintenance and recreation staff and the elimination of youth summer programs.
New medical waste facility approved to operate in Northgate after neighborhood opposition
A medical waste facility, owned by Bio Clean Industries, was approved by the city of Salem to operate in Northgate neighborhood after both Northgate and Highland neighborhoods opposed the decision. The facility will shred and treat medical waste before transferring it to a landfill.
Keizer officials raise alarm about growing costs, money needs
The city of Keizer expects to dip into reserves to cover policing costs. Tax and fee revenue is not keeping up with police department costs, officials said.
Bridgeway ends plan for recovery home as local treatment providers brace for state funding cuts
Two of Salem’s largest addiction treatment providers will lose at least $1 million in annual state funding for recovery services due to funding changes made by the Oregon Health Authority last week. Bridgeway Community Health will be unable to fund a new men’s stabilization center, which it planned to open early this year.
Economists weigh in on how tariffs will hit Willamette Valley
Oregon exports many of its agricultural products, including wheat and wine, which are likely to face reciprocal tariffs in foreign countries. But economists say some local sectors could benefit from tariffs, especially in the long-term.
Volunteers wary of new company performing city of Salem background checks
City volunteers are concerned about a new company contracted to perform background checks, leading some to choose not to volunteer. While the city said it only requires an identity and address verification, and a nationwide criminal search to be eligible to serve, the company, Verified First, asks volunteers to sign a waiver authorizing certain invasive investigatory techniques.
City eliminates deputy city manager position, curtails travel and other spending
The city of Salem will eliminate the deputy city manager position to save money after Deputy City Manager Scott Archer leaves his post on April 11. The move is part of a series of cost-cutting measures taken by the city in February which include slashing overtime with the exception of meeting staffing requirements, reducing supply purchases and reviewing vacant job positions prior to hiring.