Salem Budget Committee To Reconvene, Consider Local Option Levy Impact And Restoration Of Community Services -05/23/25

Salem, Ore. – On May 28, 2025, the City of Salem Budget Committee will reconvene to consider changes to the Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget following voter approval of the five-year local option levy on Tuesday.

“I am so grateful for the trust and confidence of our community,” said Mayor Julie Hoy. “Thank you, Salem!  I’m moved by the outpouring of support for our Library, our 90 parks and countless recreation programs and Center 50+. So many have come together in support of these treasured community resources.”  

With the passage of the Local Option Levy, the Budget Committee will reconvene to consider amendments to the FY26 Budget that take into account the new revenue and restoration of services. The property tax revenue generated by the approved levy will be placed in a dedicated and protected account overseen by a committee to ensure that the revenue is used only for purposes outlined in the measure, including:

• Restoring and continuing Salem Public Library services.
• Operation of Center 50+ classes, activities, outreach services and support services.
• Recreation programming, including youth day camps, youth sports and community events.
• Management and maintenance of more than 90 parks, including facilities, playgrounds, splash fountains, sports fields, trails and more.

“This gets us closer to the services our community wants and deserves and shape a stronger future for Salem” said Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi. “I’m grateful to the Budget Committee for their thoughtful leadership, and to our community and staff for their support through this challenging time. In July, with the new fiscal year before us, we can continue to work together to discover possible new revenue solutions, refining and improving quality and efficiency of our service delivery, and advancing our cost savings strategies.”

To-date, the Budget Committee had considered the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget proposal which addressed the $13.8 million budget shortfall in funding for Salem Public Library, parks, recreation programs and Center 50+, and other General Fund programs. Now, with the passage of this levy, the Budget Committee will reconvene to consider amendments to the FY26 Budget that take into account the new revenue and restoration of services. Salem’s City Council will next pick up the FY26 Budget on June 9, 2025, after the Budget Committee’s recommended amendments are incorporated. The City will also continue pursuing other opportunities, identifying efficiencies and finding cost savings, including direct engagement with the State of Oregon to pursue funding support for public safety services to State facilities.

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Salem Awaiting Final Results Of Local Option Levy -05/21/25

Salem, Ore. – As of Wednesday morning, based on available data from both Marion and Polk County residents of Salem, the Salem five-year local option levy appears to be passing. An update from Marion County on the results of the May 20, 2025 measure is anticipated by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 22. When the outcome of the levy is known, if it passes, the Salem Budget Committee will reconvene on May 28, 2025 to consider amendments to the FY26 Budget.

“I’ve been moved by the outpouring of support for our Library, our 90 parks and countless recreation programs and Center 50+,” said Mayor Julie Hoy. “So many have come together in support of these treasured community resources. I remain hopeful and I’ll be watching the results of yesterday’s ballot measure closely. I’m looking forward to sharing in the good news for our community.”

If the measure passes, the property tax revenue generated would be placed in a dedicated and protected account overseen by a committee to ensure that the revenue is used only for purposes outlined in the measure, including:

• Restoring and continuing Salem Public Library services.
• Operation of Center 50+ classes, activities, outreach services and support services.
• Recreation programming, including youth day camps, youth sports and community events.
• Management and maintenance of more than 90 parks, including facilities, playgrounds, splash fountains, sports fields, trails and more.

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget begins on July 1, 2025 and addresses the $13.8 million budget shortfall in funding for Salem Public Library, parks, recreation programs and Center 50+, and other General Fund programs. If the measure does not pass, the City of Salem’s Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget, advanced by the Budget Committee on May 7, will be taken up by the Salem City Council on June 9, 2025.

“If the early results bear out, this will get us closer to the services our community wants and deserves ,” said Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi. “I remain hopeful that we can restore services our community relies on and, retain the dedicated staff whose jobs would be  affected, without this additional community support .”

Even after the reductions included in the FY 2026 budget, the projected forecast shows an $8.9 million deficit in FY 2027. The City will continue pursuing new revenue opportunities, identifying efficiencies and finding cost savings, including direct engagement with the State of Oregon to pursue funding support for public safety services to State facilities

The Budget Committee’s work began April 16, 2025 and continued through May 7, 2025. The Committee considered in-person testimony and in writing sharing how these services have positively impacted their lives and voicing concerns over the potential cuts. The Committee also held public hearings on Capital Improvement Fund and projects, and State Shared revenues discussed. At each meeting, the City provided responses to questions. All the Budget Committee’s materials, and the Proposed FY26 Budget, are available on the City’s website.

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City Of Salem To Assess Impacts Of Forever Chemicals From Use Of Fire-fighting Foam At Salem-Willamette Valley Airport -05/20/25

Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem has initiated an investigation into the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, including locations that have historically been used for firefighting foam testing and training, like the Salem Fire Department’s Station 6 on-site training area. This investigation was prompted by the discovery of PFAS in the soil at development site on the south end of the Airport property.

These proactive measures to better understand the risk and exposure in these areas will help the City take steps to further ensure the safety, health and well-being of Fire Department staff, as well as Airport employees, tenants and prospective developers.

“We remain fully committed to working collaboratively and transparently with all stakeholders as we come to better understand what we're dealing with on the Airport property,” said Interim City Manager, Krishna Namburi. “Protecting public health and supporting our firefighters, our airport tenants and the broader community remains our top priority. Together, we will move forward responsibly and do what’s right.”

Next Steps: Soil and Groundwater Samples to Learn More

To better understand the presence of PFAS at the Airport, including at the Fire Station 6 training area, over the coming months, the City plans to:

• Test soil and groundwater samples taken from areas where firefighting foam was used
• Evaluate potential exposure risks to Fire Department and Airport personnel
• Assess possible environmental impacts, potential risks to human health and the environment associated with any identified impacts, and appropriate measures to address those potential risks
• Update City Council, the Fire Department and firefighters, the Airport Advisory Commission and Airport tenants, and developers of new airport projects through regular communications
• Communicate with our community through City channels such as social media, CityofSalem.net, the newsletter, and Council meetings and media
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities to appropriately respond to the investigation’s findings as DEQ and the EPA continue to develop PFAS regulations

PFAS in Aircraft Firefighting

PFAS are used in many commercial products designed to resist heat, water and oil, such as water-resistant clothing, food packaging and nonstick cookware. The Federal Aviation Administration has required the use of aqueous film-forming foam — also called fire-fighting foam — a PFAS-containing substance, in mandated training and testing. Until Sept. 27, 2024, the Salem Fire Department used this foam during its required training exercises at the Airport, particularly at the Salem Fire Department’s Station 6 training area.

The City will continue to share information about its investigation into the use of PFAS at the Airport. For more information, visit the City’s PFAS webpage.

Traffic Alert: Street Closure Planned For One-Day Event Near Capitol Mall On May 17 -05/14/25

• Road closures and lane restrictions are expected surrounding the Capitol Mall
• Drivers should use extra caution in response to increased pedestrian traffic in the area
• The permitted event is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. May 17

Salem, Ore. — Street closures for an event near the Oregon State Capitol Mall on Saturday, May 17, will affect midday traffic. Permitted street closures for the event will include parts of Center Street NE between Cottage Street NE and Capitol Street NE from 2-4 p.m.

Drivers will see more pedestrians in the area and may experience delays. Temporary signs will show which roads are closed and where lanes are restricted.  Drivers should plan ahead, take different routes and drive carefully.

Closure Details

• Date: Saturday, May 17
• Time: 2-4 p.m.
• Affected Streets: Center Street NE, Chemeketa Street NE, Court Street NE, Cottage Street NE, Capitol Street NE and Winter St NE, all in the vicinity of the Oregon State Capitol and Capitol Mall.
• Details: Streets inside the area bordered by Center, Cottage, Court and Capitol streets will have full or partial closures. These closures will allow the event to take place and keep participants and visitors safe.
   

The City of Salem appreciates residents’ cooperation and patience during this event. City staff are committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

Those with questions or comments should contact the City of Salem’s Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.

Eastbound Traffic Closed On McGilchrist Street SE Through End Of 2025 -05/13/25

SALEM, Ore. — Drivers who use McGilchrist Street SE should be aware that eastbound traffic is closed through the end of the year between 22nd Street SE and 25th Street SE.

Local access will be available to all residences and businesses in the area. Signs pointing to traffic detours will be in place. Drivers are advised to watch for traffic signs and follow all instructions from crews working in the area.

This work is part of the McGilchrist Complete Street Project, Phase 2 construction. The cost is funded by the voter-approved 2022 Safety and Livability Bond, federal funds, urban renewal and other City funds.

The McGilchrist Complete Street project will transform the current two-lane arterial into a street that provides the necessary elements to support safe movement of goods and people by truck, rail, car, foot and bicycle. People will be able to use this corridor to support economic development in a sustainable manner while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, flooding concerns and improving the water quality for Pringle Creek. Learn more at https://salemor.gov/3ERFbED.

The McGilchrist Street SE eastbound closure will include travel lanes and parking spaces in the construction zone. Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage, and watch for workers in the area.

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/.

State Street, 25th Street SE Intersection To See Construction Through October -05/13/25

SALEM, Ore. — Construction activities will impact traffic around the intersection of State and 25^th streets SE through October of this year.

Activities for a Capital Improvement Project began May 12 at that intersection and are expected to continue intermittently through October. Traffic control will be set up to the east and west along State Street and south along 25th Street SE.

The project includes construction of accessible curb ramps and sidewalk, installation of a pedestrian island, modification and extension of an existing median island and signal improvements. This safety-oriented project is intended to reduce vehicle crashes, increase pedestrian visibility and bring the intersection up to current ADA standards.

This project is funded through Oregon Department of Transportation All Roads Transportation Safety Program, with the City’s match share coming from State Gas Tax Revenue.  

For more information about City of Salem Capital Improvements, see https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/capital-improvements.

Some night work will be necessary to complete this project. Pedestrians and drivers should use caution, expect some delays and follow traffic-control signage.

Salem's Proposed Budget Advances To City Council -05/09/25

Salem, Ore. – On May 7, 2025, the City of Salem Budget Committee advanced the Interim City Manager's proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget to the Salem City Council.  The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget begins on July 1, 2025, and addresses the $13.8 million budget shortfall in funding for Salem Public Library, parks, recreation programs and Center 50+, and other General Fund programs.  Salem’s City Council will next pick up the FY26 Budget on June 9, 2025.
 

“This isn’t a fair budget—but it is impartial,” said Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi. “It reflects the hard truth of our financial reality and the difficult situation we are in. The choices we face are not about one service being more important than another—it’s a response to a financial crisis, shaped by community priorities, that demanded hard, imperfect tradeoffs. I am deeply saddened by the impact this proposal has on the dedicated staff whose jobs are affected and on the community members who are losing access to essential services they rely on. I’m grateful to the Budget Committee for their thoughtful leadership, and to our community and staff for their resilience as we navigate this crisis together.”
 

The Budget Committee’s work began April 16, 2025 and continued through May 7, 2025.  The Committee considered in-person testimony and in writing sharing how these services have positively impacted their lives and voicing concerns over the potential cuts.  The Committee also held public hearings on Capital Improvement Fund and projects, and State Shared revenues discussed.  At each meeting, the City provided responses to questions.  All the Budget Committee’s materials, and the Proposed FY26 Budget, are available on the City’s website.
 

What Happens Next?

Salem City Council picks up the FY26 Budget on June 9, 2025.  The proposed budget balances costs with available revenues.  It does not account for the possibility of revenues from a proposed five-year local option levy. The City will also continue pursuing new revenue opportunities, identifying efficiencies and finding cost savings, including direct engagement with the State of Oregon to pursue funding support for public safety services to State facilities.
 

Local Option Levy. The local option levy will appear on Salem voters' ballots for the special election taking place on May 20, 2025.  When the outcome of the levy is known, if it passes, the Salem Budget Committee will reconvene to consider amendments to the FY26 Budget.
 

If the measure passes, the property tax revenue generated would be placed in a dedicated and protected account overseen by a committee to ensure that the revenue is used only for purposes outlined in the measure, including:

• Restoring and continuing Salem Public Library services.
• Operation of Center 50+ classes, activities, outreach services, and support services.
• Recreation programming, including youth day camps, youth sports, and community events.
• Management and maintenance of more than 90 parks, including facilities, playgrounds, splash fountains, sports fields, trails, and more.

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