Center 50+ Offers First Exercise Class In Spanish -01/22/25

Salem, Ore. -- More Spanish speakers are joining the gym at Center 50+, and now there's a new SilverSneakers Classic class just for them. This class is held every Wednesday from 10:15 to 11:15. It costs $6 for each class, but the first class is free.

SilverSneakers Classic is the main class for full-body workouts at Center 50+. Elena Fink, a fitness instructor and personal trainer, will lead the class. Participants will do exercises at their own pace using resistance tools.

Soon, there will also be a monthly meeting for caregivers who speak Spanish.

For more information about Center 50+ programs, call 503-588-6303.

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Center 50+ ofrece la primera clase de ejercicios en español

Salem, Ore. -- Más hispanohablantes se están uniendo al gimnasio en Center 50+ (centro para personas mayores de 50 años), y ahora hay una nueva clase SilverSneakers Classic solo para ellos. Esta clase se lleva a cabo todos los miércoles de 10:15 a 11:15. Cuesta $6 por cada clase, pero la primera clase es gratis.

SilverSneakers Classic es la clase principal para entrenamientos de cuerpo completo en Center 50+. Elena Fink, instructora de fitness y entrenadora personal, dirigirá la clase. Los participantes harán ejercicios a su propio ritmo utilizando herramientas de resistencia.

Pronto, también habrá una reunión mensual para cuidadores que hablen español.

Para obtener más información sobre los programas del Center 50+, llame al 503-588-6303, se habla español.

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Livability Levy Advances To February 10 City Council Meeting -01/22/25

Salem, Ore. -- At a work session last night, the Salem City Council talked about a plan to fund important community services including park operations, more library hours, recreation activities and Center 50+ programs.

The main topic was whether to ask voters to support a property tax levy in May 2025, and if so, what services the levy would cover. The City Council discussed community benefits of each service, and what services could be restored at tax rates between $0.98 and $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or about $229 to $257 a year for the average Salem household. 

The City Council confirmed its interest in pursuing a livability levy for the May 2025 ballot. They asked staff to come back with more specifics about the rate and services that would be restored. The Council plans to consider the new draft at its February 10, 2025 meeting.

In November 2024, Salem City Council asked staff to think about a local option property tax levy. It was one of the ideas suggested by the 2024 Revenue Task Force. 

City staff have worked to reduce the General Fund budget gap:

• A supplemental budget was approved in mid-2024 to cut costs by $4.7 million, followed by more than $2 million in cuts from daily operations in Parks and Recreation, Library, Center 50+ and Youth Development.

• Third-party audits have been done to make sure the city's funds are used wisely and efficiently.

• The city re-examined the forecasting assumptions, which helped reduce the estimated General Fund shortfall in next year's budget (Fiscal Year 2026).

• They are also looking into other ways to find money, especially to cover public safety costs. This includes finding payments from state-owned buildings and a possible solid waste fee to help handle encampments in public spaces.

Even with these changes, a funding gap of about $13.8 million remains in the General Fund, and options to fund community services are limited. City Council referral of a five-year levy to fund Salem Parks and Recreation, Library and Center 50+ for the May 2025 ballot must occur before the ballot deadline of February 28, 2025.

A local option levy is a temporary, up to five-year, voter-approved property tax increase used to fund specific services like parks and libraries. Other communities use similar levies to fund schools, public transportation and other local services.

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City Of Salem To Launch New Utility Billing Software -01/14/25

Salem, OR – Beginning February 3, 2025, Salem Utility customers will have access to expanded online options and new payment methods as the City of Salem launches its new Utility Billing software. The new software will enhance the customer’s experience and streamline operations, replacing the more than 20-year-old system that is no longer supported by the vendor or compatible with newer computer operating systems. Salem bills and collects payments for water, stormwater, wastewater, streetlight, and City Operations revenue through the Utility Billing software.
 

The upgrade offers customers expanded online access, multilingual support, and modern payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and PayPal. Ultimately, the software will allow the City of Salem Public Works to automate many processes, reduce paper, and become more efficient with limited resources.
 

“We’re excited to bring this much-needed technology to our community,” said Brian D. Martin, PE, Director of Public Works. “It’s all about improving efficiency and providing better service to Salem utility customers.”
 

Utility customers are receiving initial notifications in the mail this week, announcing the system migration, and notifying them of the changes. Current customers, specifically those accessing the convenience of Automatic Bill Payment, will need to register in the new system’s AutoPay beginning February 3, to continue to use the service. Individual financial information will not transfer to the new software. No action is required by customers until the system launches on Monday, February 3, 2025.
 

Online enrollment in the new software is simple and requires your most recent utility bill and your contact information. Utility Customer Care staff will be available following the change-over to assist with questions and help customers enroll at: utilitybilling@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6099, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information is available and will be continually updated throughout the transition at: www.cityofsalem.net/billing-update
 

Important Reminders for Customers:

• Beginning on February 3, 2025, Automatic Bill Payment users must enroll in AutoPay in the new system to continue automatic payments. Individual financial information will not transfer.
• The Utility Customer Care office and phone lines will be closed January 30, 2025, until February 3, 2025, to transfer data into the new system. Online and phone payment systems will also be unavailable for this same period. No actions will be taken on accounts during this time as the system changeover occurs. 
• During the Utility Customer Care office closure, customers may pay in person at the Customer Service Center at 555 Liberty St SE, Room 100, Salem, OR; mail payments to PO Box 2795, Portland, OR 97208-2795; or place payments in one of our drop box locations listed below:
  • City of Salem Customer Service Center, 555 Liberty St SE, Room 100, Salem, OR
  • City of Salem Civic Center Drive-Through, 500 block of Liberty St SE, Salem OR, at the bus turnout between Salem Public Library and Salem City Hall
  • Operations Building, 1457 23^rd St SE, Salem, OR
  • West Salem Public Library, 395 Glen Creek Rd NW, Salem, OR

For more information, visit www.cityofsalem.net/billing-update, email utilitybilling@cityofsalem.net, or call 503-588-6099 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City Of Salem Public Works Crews Complete Sewer Main Repairs, Restoring Service To West Salem -12/29/24

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem Public Works Department has successfully completed repairs to the sewer mains, restoring full service to West Salem residents. The final 24-inch sewer main was activated just after 9:30 p.m., December 28, 2024, reestablishing critical service from the West Salem area to the Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Facility.

This repair has restored full wastewater services to West Salem and returned the neighborhood to normal operation. Residents of West Salem are no longer asked to reduce water usage and can resume normal household activities.

Repairs to the second 18-inch sewer main were completed early in the morning on December 28, 2024. Restoring partial service to the West Salem area throughout the day and reducing the outflows occurring in the surrounding Glen Creek, River Bend Slough, and a portion of the northern undeveloped wooded area of Wallace Marine Park.

Signs are posted at these locations warning people to avoid contact with the water due to potentially high levels of bacteria. Water quality samples will continue to be taken until the results indicate that the issue has been cleared. The signs will be removed once the bacteria levels return to normal. Salem’s Public Works team is coordinating with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and following all regulatory requirements.

The City of Salem extends its gratitude to the West Salem and Keizer communities for their cooperation during these emergency repairs and would also like to thank Emery and Sons Construction, along with their material suppliers, for their support.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we worked to resolve this issue. Further updates will be available at www.cityofsalem.net.

City Of Salem Public Works Crews Continue To Make Repairs To West Salem Sewer Main -12/28/24

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem Public Works Department has made considerable progress in restoring sewer service to the West Salem community.

With the successful completion of the 18-inch sewer main Saturday morning, limited service has been restored to the West Salem neighborhood. Public Work staff expects to complete the second 24-inch sewer main late Saturday evening. This should restore normal sewer service to the residents of West Salem by Sunday morning, December 29, 2024.

The City of Salem’s Public Works team would like to thank the West Salem community for their reduced water usage over the last two days and ask that they continue to use as little water as possible for another few hours.

By limiting water usage, we can better control potential untreated wastewater outflows into sensitive areas surrounding Glen Creek, River Bend Slough, and a portion of the northern undeveloped wooded area of Wallace Marine Park. Signs are posted at these locations warning people to avoid contact with the water due to potentially high levels of bacteria. Water quality samples will continue to be taken until the results indicate that the issue has been cleared. The signs will be removed once the bacteria levels return to normal.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we worked to resolve this issue. Due to the late hour, a Marion-Polk Alert will be sent during the day, on Sunday, December 29th, 2024 with an update on this incident. Further updates will be available on our Facebook page and website at www.cityofsalem.net/SewerUpdate.

West Salem Sewer Update: Overnight Crews Repair 18-Inch Sewer Main, Begin Work To Repair 24-Inch Main -12/28/24

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem’s Public Works Department was able to repair one of two sewer mains that service West Salem during the overnight hours of December 27, 2024.

The repaired main is being tested and will resume service later this morning. The repair involved excavating, locating, removing, and replacing a 400-foot section of corroded pipe south of the Willow Lake Waste Water Treatment Facility near Keizer.

The activation of this sewer main will reduce pressure on the West Salem sewer system and reduce untreated wastewater outflows in the low-lying areas of West Salem, near Glen Creek, River Bend Slough, and Wallace Marine Park. Residents of Salem are asked to continue to reduce their water usage to help manage the flow of wastewater into the City sewers as we bring the repaired infrastructure back online.

Work to repair the second 24-inch sewer main is scheduled to begin today.

Further updates will be provided to West Salem residents using Marion-Polk Alerts and news releases will be available at www.cityofsalem.net/SewerUpdate.

West Salem Sewer Update: Crews Begin Work To Repair 18-Inch Broken Sewer Main -12/27/24

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem’s Public Works Department has identified the damage to two wastewater sewer mains that serve the West Salem area. Crews from the City of Salem, along with outside contractors, are working overnight to repair approximately 400 feet of the 18-inch sewer main. That work is expected to be completed during the overnight hours.

Work to repair the second 24-inch sewer main is scheduled to begin on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Further updates and information regarding the repair will be provided throughout the weekend.

Drinking water remains safe for all uses. We ask West Salem residents to continue to reduce water usage to help manage the flow of wastewater into the City sewers. Limiting the flow of water into the sewer system will help manage and slow the flow being released into the creeks, streams, and Willamette River.

Only West Salem residents need to reduce water use at this time.

Residents are asked to take the following steps to minimize water use:

• Limit the use of water for washing dishes and clothes.
• Reduce toilet flushing and avoid unnecessary water usage in bathrooms.
• Use water for essential needs only.

All West Salem’s wastewater is currently being diverted into open fields and the natural creek systems leading to the Willamette River, including areas of Glen Creek, River Bend Slough, and Wallace Marine Park. Signs are posted to warn residents to avoid these areas due to the potential for bacterial contamination. Water quality samples will continue to be taken until the results indicate that the issue has been cleared. Signs will be removed once the bacteria levels return to normal.

Further updates will be provided to West Salem residents using Marion-Polk Alerts and news releases will be available at www.cityofsalem.net/SewerUpdate.

City Of Salem Asks West Salem Residents To Limit Water Usage -12/27/24

Salem, Ore. — Due to a significant sewer main break affecting West Salem wastewater sewer lines, we are requesting that all residents in West Salem reduce water usage to avoid further strain on the sewer system and help prevent overflows.

Cooperation is critical in helping to resolve this issue quickly.

Your drinking water continues to be safe for all uses, but limiting the flow of water into the sewer system will help manage and slow the flow of wastewater being released into the creeks, streams, and Willamette River. Due to the location of the sewer main breaks, only West Salem residents are encouraged to reduce their water use at this time.

West Salem residents, please take the following steps to minimize water use:

• Limit the use of water for washing dishes and clothes.
• Reduce toilet flushing and avoid unnecessary water usage in bathrooms.
• Delay any non-essential water activities, such as cleaning dishes, doing laundry and flushing toilets.
• Use water for essential needs only.

City crews are actively working to repair the damage, and we will provide updates as soon as the situation improves.

What We Know:

On December 26, 2024, a sewer main break was reported around 4:30 p.m. near Bowden Lane and Trent Avenue, closing the 24-inch pressurized sewer main that transports wastewater to the Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant.

To manage the situation, City of Salem Public Works shut down the flow from the broken 24-inch main, leaving only an adjacent 18-inch main for service for West Salem. However, at 10:00 a.m. on December 27, 2024, the 18-inch main also failed, resulting in the closure of both sewer mains serving West Salem.

Wastewater is currently being diverted into open fields and the natural creek system leading to the Willamette River.

Residents should avoid all flooded area north and east of Wallace Road NW, including Wallace Marine Park, and avoid all creeks and the Willamette River in the area.

Crews are currently assessing the situation, performing repairs, and working closely with regulating agencies to restore service.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available at www.cityofsalem.net/SewerUpdate. 

Blockage In Sewer Line Results In Sanitary Sewer Overflow To Clark Creek -12/26/24

Salem, Ore. - On Thursday, December 26, 2024, a sanitary sewer overflow was reported in the Clark Creek at approximately 9:45 a.m., located at 740 Wild Wind Drive SE. The overflow was caused by a blockage in the sewer line. City utility crews were dispatched to the location and are in the process removing the blockage.

Signs have been posted warning people to avoid contact with the water in Clark Creek due to potentially high levels of bacteria. Water quality samples will continue to be taken until the results indicate that the issue has been cleared. The signs will be removed once the bacteria levels return to normal.

If you see an overflowing manhole or wish to report a spill, please call the Public Works 

Department Dispatch Center at 503-588-6333.