Category COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Polk County taps voters for property tax increase to maintain aging fairgrounds
The original structures on the Polk County Fairgrounds in Rickreall were built in 1952 and the county is seeking about $45 a year from a typical homeowner to bring the facility up to date. It’s one of three property tax measures West Salem voters will see on the May ballot.
Mother of physician killed in kayak crash with Buena Vista Ferry sues Marion County
Jacob Jackson, a longtime family doctor in Salem, died in June 2024 after a ferry operator collided with his kayak. His family is suing Marion County, which operates two ferries, in hopes of preventing future tragedies on the Willamette River.
Police, sheriffs across Oregon scramble to find place to destroy drugs as incinerator closes
Police and sheriff’s offices across the state that have relied for decades on Marion County's incinerator must find another place to dispose of drug evidence, drug paraphernalia and other contraband.
Marion County seeks federal help for Santiam Canyon rebuilding, bridges
County officials recently discussed their federal lobbying priorities, which include money for infrastructure projects and changes allowing governments to bill federal health insurance programs for jail and institutional care.
Playground, picnic tables coming to Hayesville’s Parkdale Park
A state grant is funding the development of Marion County’s Parkdale Park, bringing a place for people to gather in northeast Salem. Work is expected to be finished this summer.
Marion County Commissioners extend contract for Brooks incinerator through June, increase garbage rates
Reworld Marion, the waste management company formerly known as Covanta will have until June 30, 2025, to dispose of leftover waste on site at its Brooks garbage incinerator as it continues the process of shuttering or selling the facility.
Marion County to revive police crisis response team it disbanded in March
Marion County disbanded its police crisis response team earlier this year as public funding shifted toward civilian response to people in crisis. But with new federal money, the county is now reviving one team of a sheriff’s deputy and a mental health worker.
Marion County gives nearly $750,000 for Hope Pregnancy Clinic to expand
A Salem clinic that helps pregnant women will expand to serve more clients with money from Marion County. The Hope Pregnancy Clinic says it helps women navigate pregnancy while sharing the “transformative message of Jesus.”
Brooks incinerator closure prompts Saturday discussion about the future of trash in Salem
Reworld Marion, formerly known as Covanta, will shut down its garbage incinerator near Brooks on December 31. The incinerator currently burns a large portion of garbage from Marion County homes and businesses, which will go to the Coffin Butte Landfill starting next year.