The city’s budget committee voted on May 8 to recommend using more than $500,000 from the city’s tourism fund to keep Salem’s parks and splash pads operational and to continue a number of community programs.
Tag: salem budget
Community polling shows most Salemites would pay more for fire, police
The results of a city task force’s community survey and town hall showed Salem wants better services, and wants wealthier people to pay more for them. Task force members will be grappling with the demands of the community and what’s feasible.
Library workers given layoff notice for July as city moves forward with budget cuts
City Manager Keith Stahley said it’s “definitely a possibility” that the West Salem library branch would close as a result of his proposed budget cuts.
Salem legislators seek annual state payments to cover police, fire
Rep. Tom Andersen, a former Salem city councilor, is introducing a bill that would have the state annually pay millions to its capital city to cover public safety services.
With Kotek’s support, Salem will again seek state money for city services
Salem legislators think they have a better chance during the 2024 Legislature to get state money paid in lieu of property taxes to help close a city budget deficit. Mayor Chris Hoy cautioned any such payment won’t fix the city’s budget issues.
Readers share what they intended with their votes on Salem’s payroll tax
Salem residents decisively rejected a payroll tax Tuesday, with 82% of those who cast ballots voting no. About 20 readers explained their votes to Salem Reporter, with many who rejected the tax saying they want a less complicated or more equitable way for the city to close its budget gap.
City council considering payroll tax without voter approval
Salem city councilors on June 12 will review a draft ordinance that would tax Salem workers an average of $42 a month to sustain and expand police, emergency response and homeless services. Councilors would vote at a later date after a public hearing.
Mayor “hopeful” about tackling Salem’s challenges after White House meetings
Following a trip to Washington D.C. with other new mayors, Chris Hoy said Salem is in a better position to get federal help addressing issues like homelessness and transportation planning.
