Category City Hall
First forum for Salem’s proposed “sit-lie” ordinance leaves residents, officials wanting more discussion
Kelly Teves, 48, voices her opposition to an idea to ban sitting or lying on city public rights-of-way for most hours of the day. Teves spoke during the first community forum held to discuss the proposal. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) The first public talks about a…
Downtown stakeholders split on ordinance to restrict sitting, lying on sidewalks
Robert Stone, of Cheyenne, Wyo., sits outside near a coffee shop in downtown Salem. The homeless Salem resident said he would “probably” be impacted by a proposed ban on sitting or lying down on public rights of way. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) Those who provide safety nets…
Former Salem Housing Authority staffer slams “very toxic” environment in resignation
A former grant writer at Salem Housing Authority called out the agency in her resignation letter, calling it “very toxic,” at a time when the agency’s flagship homeless assistance program is in flux. Pamala Garrick wrote that the agency hired “unqualified” managers and that her…
Salem council approves controversial lease with church, citing lack of options
Update July 25: This article has been updated with more information from Councilor Jackie Leung and an addendum has been added to the bottom. The city of Salem has decided to house the public library in a church-owned building, despite some concerns the LGBTQ community…
Salem considers banning daytime sleeping on sidewalks
Shoppers walk along State Street in downtown Salem. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) Update 6:40 p.m.: The original article has been updated to include more information. The city of Salem is making another run at keeping sidewalks clear from behaviors that have repeatedly disrupted downtown…
Salem City Council moves forward with utility fee, payroll tax for general fund
A new fee on utility bills and a tax on Salem-based workers to help Salem’s strained general fund is moving forward. The Salem City Council Monday voted to proceed with the two mechanisms, which could generate about $16 million per year to pay for police,…
Plan to move Salem library to church-owned property stirs discrimination concerns
The former home of the Capital Press, at 1400 Broadway St. S.E. The building is now owned by Salem Alliance Church and could soon be the temporary home of Salem Public Library. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reproter) After months of searching, the city of Salem may have…
Legislative debacle could stall $20 million for Salem’s water fixes
The intake area of Geren Island, where water from the North Santiam River flows to become drinking water. Water here is on its way to be treated with powdered-activated carbon, if such treatment is underway. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) When Senate Republicans absconded last week, they…
By the numbers: what Salem City Hall is doing with your money
Salem City Hall pictured summer 2018 (Salem Reporter files) The city of Salem finalized its budget Monday night, but financial discussions aren’t over for Salem City Council. The budget approves more than $630 million in spending, and largely passed unchanged from what City Manager Steve…