Tonight, Salem city councilors will discuss proposed next steps to avoid sweeping cuts to city programs.

The proposal includes a community poll, updating the city’s auditing process and up to $10,000 toward community engagement. Councilors will vote Monday on whether to move forward with it.

In case you missed it, Salem Reporter’s Joe Siess gathered the key points from the council’s Aug. 17 work session about the budget. During the meeting, councilors appeared ready to put a measure before voters next May to raise property taxes to avoid cuts. They also said they want a clear signal the community would back such increased taxation before they seek formal approval.

Read our recap here.

Monday’s meeting will be at 6 p.m. in-person at the city council chambers, 555 Liberty St. S.E., room 220, with the meeting also available to watch online in English and with translation to Spanish. Anyone may attend the meeting to listen or comment. Remote commenters must sign up between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday.

For written comments, email [email protected] before 5 p.m. on Monday, or on paper to the city recorder’s office at the Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. S.E., Room 225. Include a statement indicating the comment is for the public record.