City budget proposal cuts library hours in half, closes W Salem branch
Good evening, Salem.
Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi didn't mince words in her proposed city budget.
"It is with a heavy heart that I present the FY 2026 Proposed budget," she wrote in a budget message, outlining the scope of cuts needed to balance city coffers. The document was released around 5 p.m. today.
The lengthy document gives residents the shape of long-anticipated cuts to city services. Notably, it would cut library hours at the main branch in half while closing the West Salem branch entirely.
We have a deeper look at what she's proposing, and what it will mean for you, in our stories below.
Here's some of our latest news. Catch all of our reports anytime on our website.
The 2026 budget released by the city of Salem Wednesday reduces the Salem Public Library’s staff by more than half and cuts main branch hours down to 20 per week.…
Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi said she released her proposed budget Wednesday with a “heavy heart” amid deep cuts to some city services, including the library.
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Salem Reporter’s Town Hall on Taxes will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Elsinore Theatre.
A panel of experts will explain and explore the city of Salem’s tax levy, on the May 20 ballot. The team at Salem Reporter invites you to join us for an extraordinary evening.
DATE/TIME: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
PROGRAM: 90 minutes with Irvin Brown, Salem city councilor; Josh Eggelston, the city’s chief finance officer; and Tom Hoffert, chief executive officer, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.
NOTE: Tickets are needed so Elsinore staff can plan for audience size.
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