Category City Hall
New forecast shows smaller Salem budget deficit, but deep cuts still likely
Budget committee members and local business leaders recommended tweaks to the way Salem plans its budget. The result is the city has about $4 million less to cut this year to balance its books.
UPDATED: City council raises utility rates, approves $18k pay increase for city manager
Utility rates for water, stormwater and sewage will increase by about $5 a month for the average Salem home in 2025. Councilor Julie Hoy, the mayor-elect, cast the sole vote against the increase.
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.
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.
What Salem’s leaders want to see from legislators in the year ahead
An annual state payment to help cover Salem's public safety costs and ongoing funding for homeless shelters remain top priorities for city leaders heading into the 2025 legislative session.
Salem City Council pushes forward with affordable housing projects
Voters in 2022 set aside $10 million for city-funded affordable housing. On Monday, Salem city councilors will vote on using a portion of that money to subsidize two projects with over 300 planned apartments.
Salem city council passes alternative Gaza ceasefire resolution following hours of public testimony
The Salem City Council approved, 5-4, a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza that removed all references to genocide following hours of emotional public testimony from a diverse group of community members.
Salem City Council to consider Gaza ceasefire resolution Tuesday
After scathing testimony from members of the public during recent meetings, the Salem City Council will consider adopting a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas during its upcoming meeting Tuesday, May 28.
UPDATED: Council approves crosswalk projects, tax break for new apartments
Councilors will vote Monday on whether to exempt from property taxes the High Street Apartments, a 105-unit development planned for a vacant downtown lot.