Category City News
Salem faces grim financial future with forecasted $18 million budget shortfall next year
Salem’s budget committee met Wednesday to begin a months-long process figuring out how to balance the city’s budget. It will almost certainly mean deep cuts to city services in 2025.
New affordable housing complex is Salem’s largest yet
The recently completed Mahonia Crossing affordable housing complex in southeast Salem is designed to help seniors, kids and families get to know one another. A grand opening celebration on Tuesday celebrated the local, state and federal collaboration which got the project done.
Salem City Council moves forward proposal for business licensing
Councilor Virginia Stapleton’s proposal to have Salem study a business licensing program passed on a 6-3 vote Monday. She said the measure was suggested by the FBI as a step to help combat human trafficking associated with illicit massage spas.
One year in, Avelo has received $446k from grant to subsidize Salem operations
Travel Salem officials said they expect Avelo Airlines’ Salem operations to remain commercially viable when a grant to pay minimum revenue guarantees expires in a year. The money comes from a federal grant and private contributions, not city funds.
UPDATE: City council approves union contracts giving raises for city employees, police supervisors
Salem city councilors voted unanimously Monday to approve union contracts that cover most city employees and are expected to cost the city $25 million over three years. They separately and unanimously authorized raises for police lieutenants and leadership and some other city employees.
Salem homeowners see moderate tax increases, rise in property values slowing
Homeowners in Salem on average will pay about $120 more in property taxes this year. Home values previously skyrocketed until around 2022, but that rise has since slowed down.
Buyer in Tokarski land deal would benefit from favorable city vote
Don Lulay Homes, a local developer buying land on Southeast Creekside Drive from a company linked to prominent Salem developer Larry Tokarksi, would get cost savings as a result of a city council vote on Oct. 14. Two city councilors who have received campaign contributions from both Tokarski and Lulay disclosed a conflict of interest in the deal but still voted to approve it.
Waitlists are opening for several affordable apartment complexes in Salem. Here’s what to know.
Salem Housing Authority waitlists for five affordable apartment complexes will open on Saturday, Oct. 26, for the first time in months. Applicants will be placed on the list in the order that they submit materials, and the last day to apply is Nov. 17.
Salem plans to raise utility costs by about $5 per month starting in January 2025
The city of Salem is considering an 4.5% increase in water and sewage bills for both 2025 and 2026. City councilors will vote following a public hearing on Nov. 12.