City of Salem

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News Release

Salem City Attorney's Statement Concerning Keith Stahley's Resignation -02/15/25

SALEM, Ore. - Questions have been raised concerning potential public meeting violations relating to the events leading up to the resignation of former Salem City Manager Keith Stahley. Those concerns are based on an inaccurate understanding of those events.  As City Attorney I was asked for guidance from members of Council concerning this matter. Based on my knowledge of this matter and 18 years advising the City concerning Oregon public records law, I am confident that no public meetings laws were violated and all members of City Council acted consistent with advice from the City Attorney concerning Oregon public meeting laws.

  • Mayor Julie Hoy had individual communications with different members of City Council concerning Keith Stahley's performance and potential separation from the City.
  • Prior to those communications, Mayor Julie Hoy consulted with me, as City Attorney. I advised the Mayor that one-on-one conversations with other members of Council did not violate public meeting law or constitute "serial meetings." It is my understanding that the Mayor did not attempt to coordinate a collective decision among members of council through her individual discussions with councilors.
  • As part of her effort to communicate with members of City Council concerning this issue, Mayor Julie Hoy spoke on the phone with Councilor Nishioka.
  • After meeting with Mayor Julie Hoy, Councilor Nishioka decided to discuss this subject with Keith Stahley.
  • At that meeting, Councilor Nishioka asked Keith Stahley if he would consider resigning.
  • Councilor Nishioka never said that she was City Council's "duly authorized representative" or implied she was speaking on behalf of City Council.
  • Keith Stahley emailed his resignation letter to the City Attorney on Sunday evening, February 9, 2025. By Monday morning the 10th, he had removed his personal effects from his office, including removing his nameplate from the door and left his City-issued mobile phone and key on his desk. He informed staff he would not be in the office on Monday.
  • Keith Stahley was only eligible for severance benefits if the Council asked him to resign or terminated him.
  • Stahley's resignation letter stated that Nishioka said she was "the duly authorized representative of City Council" acting on Council's behalf. That language is straight from Stahley's employment agreement concerning severance benefits. Stahley used that exact language apparently because it was consistent with the language in his employment agreement concerning his eligibility for severance, not because Nishioka ever uttered those words.
  • Prior to the City Council meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, Council conducted an executive session to consider Keith Stahley's resignation. The discussion that occurred at that executive session is confidential and may not be disclosed, even by members of Council. That executive session was the first instance where Council collectively discussed Mr. Stahley's resignation.
  • At the City Council meeting, Council accepted Stahley's resignation and deemed his resignation to be at the request of Council. City Council took that action, in that manner, to allow Stahley to receive severance benefits, in recognition of his service to the City and the circumstances of his resignation.

City Of Salem Essential Operations Remain Available; In-Person Services Closed February 14, 2025 -02/13/25

February 14 Closed In-Person Services: Due to weather conditions, the following City of Salem in-person services will be closed on February 14:

  • Salem Public Library
  • Center 50+
  • Salem Housing Authority
  • Customer Service Center
  • Permit Application Center
  • Public Works Operations
  • Police Lobby
  • Police Records
  • Municipal Court: If a defendant was unable to appear in Court due to the inclement weather, they will be a granted a 30-day extension. Email SalemMuniCourt@cityofsalem.net with questions.
  • Salem -- Willamette Valley Airport is currently closed to all aviation operations. The Airport will open for service when conditions permit. 

City Services Remain Available. All other City operations continue uninterrupted.

Most City services are available online through the City's website, https://www.cityofsalem.net/i-want-to. In addition, online and remote access are available for the following services:

  • Customer Service Center is available by calling 503-588-7272 or info@cityofsalem.net 
  • Salem Public Library is available for customer calls from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 503-588-6315 
  • Center 50+ is available by email at connect50plus@cityofsalem.net. For volunteers of Marion Polk Food Share's Meals on Wheels, out of an abundance of caution, volunteers delivered Thursday and Friday meals in preparation for the snow.
  • Utility Customer Care is available at utilitybilling@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6099
  • Permit Application Center is available at 503-588-6256 or baspac@cityofsalem.net

All essential services, including police, fire, emergency response, street, water and wastewater services will continue to operate regardless of weather conditions. 

  • For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. 
  • For all other emergencies, contact 503-588-6123
  • To report roadway, water, or sewer concerns, call the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311

Road Closures and Road Treatment. An interactive map of road closures where the closures can be found is available online. The map also shows the routes that are being sanded and plowed. The City is currently sanding and plowing the primary and secondary routes. A map of treatment routes is also available online.
 

Please exercise caution when traveling along neighborhood streets, sidewalks and parking areas which may be slippery.

Update: City Of Salem Essential Operations Remain Available; Several In-Person Services Closed Today -02/13/25

Closed In-Person Services: Due to weather conditions today, City of Salem in-person services are closed at:

  • The Salem Public Library
  • Center 50+
  • Salem Housing Authority
  • The Customer Service Center
  • The Permit Application Center
  • Public Works Operations
  • Police Lobby
  • The Municipal Court: If a defendant was unable to appear in Court due to the inclement weather, they will be a granted a 30-day extension. Email SalemMuniCourt@cityofsalem.net with questions.
  • The Salem -- Willamette Valley Airport is currently closed to all aviation operations. The Airport will open for service when conditions permit. 

City Services Remain Available. All other City operations continue uninterrupted.

Most City services are available online through the City's website, https://www.cityofsalem.net/i-want-to. In addition, online and remote access are available for the following services:

  • Customer Service Center is available by calling 503-588-7272 or info@cityofsalem.net 
  • Salem Public Library is available for customer calls from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 503-588-6315 
  • Center 50+ is available by email at connect50plus@cityofsalem.net. For volunteers of Marion Polk Food Share's Meals on Wheels, out of an abundance of caution, volunteers delivered Thursday and Friday meals in preparation for the snow.
  • Utility Customer Care is available at utilitybilling@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6099
  • Permit Application Center is available at 503-588-6256 or baspac@cityofsalem.net

All essential services, including police, fire, emergency response, street, water and wastewater services will continue to operate regardless of weather conditions. 

  • For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. 
  • For all other emergencies, contact 503-588-6123
  • To report roadway, water, or sewer concerns, call the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311

Road Closures and Road Treatment. An interactive map of road closures where the closures can be found is available online. The map also shows the routes that are being sanded and plowed. The City is currently sanding and plowing the primary and secondary routes. A map of treatment routes is also available online.
 

Weather Update:  The National Weather Service forecasts light snow which may convert to freezing rain today. Major streets continue to be treated according to the weather conditions. However, please exercise caution when traveling along neighborhood streets, sidewalks and parking areas which may be slippery into tonight and tomorrow morning.

A Statement From The City Of Salem Regarding The City Manager's Resignation -02/13/25

Salem, Ore. - The City Manager is the sole employee of the City Council.  Decisions regarding the City Manager's employment are made by Council collectively and in a public setting.  The City Council accepted Mr. Stahley's resignation at the City Council meeting of February 10, 2025. To-date, Mr. Stahley's resignation letter dated February 9, 2025 has been made available to the public.  Following the City Council's acceptance of his resignation, and execution of Mr. Stahley's separation agreement, the City is able to release more information about Mr. Stahley's separation from the City. 

  • February 7, 2025.  As Mr. Stahley noted in his resignation letter, Council President Linda Nishioka met with Mr. Stahley and discussed his potential resignation.  Councilor Nishioka met with Mr. Stahley because she believed that Council could conduct a public process leading to Council asking Mr. Stahley for his resignation.  She has stated that she wanted him to avoid the potential embarrassment of that process. Due to public meeting law limitations, Councilor Nishioka was concerned that speaking with other members of Council about this issue would violate the law. She relied on her understanding of the situation after speaking with Mayor Julie Hoy.  This conversation triggered an Executive Session to consider the dismissal or discipline of an employee (ORS 192.660(2)(b)).
     
  • February 9, 2025.  Mr. Stahley submitted his resignation to the City Attorney via email on Sunday evening. Mr. Stahley submitted his resignation without speaking to other members of Council. Under his employment agreement, he would only receive those benefits if he resigned upon being asked "by a duly authorized representative" of Council or was terminated, which may explain his choice of words in his letter.  He removed his personal effects and name plate from his office before 8 a.m. Monday morning.  He informed staff that he would not be at the City offices on Monday.

    Upon receipt of the City Manager's email, the City Attorney provided the resignation letter to City Council and informed them an executive session would be scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025 for City Council to consider his letter. As provided by Oregon law, Mr. Stahley had the right to attend that executive session or require that the discussion occur at a public meeting instead. The City Attorney advised Mr. Stahley of his rights, and he chose not to attend the executive session or require it occur at a public meeting.
     
  • February 10, 2025.  Immediately prior to the City Council meeting that evening, the City Council met in executive session to consider Mr. Stahley's resignation.  At the City Council meeting, the Council unanimously agreed to accept his resignation.
     
  • February 12, 2025.  Mr. Stahley's separation agreement was executed.  As noted in the separation agreement, Mr. Stahley will receive severance benefits as outlined in his employment agreement, which includes compensation equivalent to eight months of salary and benefits, such as PERS and health insurance. The total severance compensation, including a payout of accrued leave totals approximately $255,000. 

"We are each called to serve our community and strive to do so with our community's best interests at heart," said Mayor Julie Hoy.  "This was a hard decision for each member of Council.  The City's business is done by the City Council together.  Throughout this transition, our actions have been guided by a commitment to effective leadership and continuity during this time of change."

 

As Salem's City Manager, Keith Stahley advanced decisions about Salem Willamette Valley Airport investments to attract commercial air service, improvements to the development review process, recruiting members of an executive leadership team (including Fire Chief and Deputy City Manager for Community Services), and transitioning emergency medical services to the City's portfolio.  Mr. Stahley's commitment to public service is demonstrated by his more than 30 years of local government experience. 

 

"Keith was focused on service to this community with integrity and trust, and we are grateful for his leadership," said Krishna Namburi, who is acting-in-capacity as City Manager. "My immediate goals are to provide continuity and support the Council, the organization, and the community through this transition. I am grateful to be part of this organization and the continued commitment of our staff to our community.  In keeping with that spirit, the City's priority is to move forward and provide the highest quality service to our community." 

ONLINE CITY OF SALEM SERVICES AND ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS REMAIN AVAILABLE, SALEM PUBLIC LIBRARY, CENTER 50+ CLOSED TODAY -02/13/25

News Release from City of Salem

  • City services will continue to be available online, by phone, or by email but many City buildings will be closed to the public.
  • Go to www.cityofsalem.net for a full list of available services and contact information.
  • Temperatures have risen above freezing early this morning but conditions on neighborhood streets, sidewalks and in parking lots may become icy, as weather changes during the day.

Salem, Ore. -- Due to weather conditions anticipated throughout the day, the City of Salem is closing in-person services at the Salem Public Library, Center 50+, Salem Housing Authority, Customer Service Center, the Permit Application Center, and the Salem -- Willamette Valley Airport is currently closed to all aviation operations on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The Airport will open for service when conditions permit.


City Services Remain Available. Salem Municipal Court and the Customer Service Center at Civic Center Plaza are open to the public for in-person services. The bulk of other City operations will continue uninterrupted.


Most City services are available online through the City's website, https://www.cityofsalem.net/i-want-to. In addition, we will be offering online and remote access for the following services:

  • Customer Service Center is available by calling 503-588-7272 or info@cityofsalem.net 
  • Salem Public Library is available for customer calls from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 503-588-6315 
  • Center 50+ is available by email at connect50plus@cityofsalem.net. For volunteers of Marion Polk Food Share's Meals on Wheels, out of an abundance of caution, meals will not be delivered on Thursday or Friday. 
  • Permit Application Center is available at 503-588-6256 or baspac@cityofsalem.net

All essential services, including police, fire, emergency response, street, water, and wastewater services will continue to operate regardless of weather conditions. 

  • For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. 
  • For all other emergencies, contact 503-588-6123
  • To report roadway, water, or sewer concerns, call the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311

Weather Update:  The National Weather Service forecasts light snow which may convert to freezing rain today. Major streets have been pre-treated with de-icer. However, please exercise caution when traveling neighborhood streets, sidewalks and parking areas which may be slippery today and, if there is accumulation tonight, into tomorrow morning.

 

Livability Levy Advances Toward Final Decision February 24 -02/11/25

Salem, Ore. -- At their February 10 Salem City Council meeting, the Council advanced a plan to fund important community services. These services include park operations, continued and restored library hours, recreation activities, and Center 50+ programs. A final decision on whether to place the levy on the ballot or not is expected February 24, 2025.
 

Deadline to file for the May 20 ballot is February 28.
 

 "I'm moved by the outpouring of support for these treasured community resources," said Mayor Julie Hoy. "I've never seen anything quite like this, where so many have come together in support of our Library, our 90 parks and countless recreation programs, and Center 50+.  I'm looking forward to seeing how this collaboration unfolds as we invite our community to come alongside us as this goes to the ballot."
 

City Council's Discussion on Service Funding

Following the January 21 work session, staff provided more details about the levy rates and services that could be restored. The City Council talked about the benefits of each service to the community and considered tax rates between $0.98 and $1.09 per $1,000 of assessed value, tentatively settling on $0.98 per $1000. For the average Salem home, the cost would be about $229 each year for a $.98 levy.
 

Allocation of Levy Revenue

Revenue from this levy would be held in a special fund and pay only for:

  • Restoring and continuing Salem Public Library services
  • Continuing operation and programs for Center 50+
  • Management and maintenance of Salem parks and recreation facilities like playgrounds, ball fields, trails, and more
  • Recreation programming and events, including youth camps, sports, and community activities

Community services such as Center 50+, Parks and Rec, and Library programs and services are such a critical part of life in Salem," said David Levy, spokesperson for the Salem Community Levy Partnership. "This levy will help determine what kind of city Salem will be in the years to come -- with programs and services that our community appreciates and supports."
 

Community Engagement and Feedback

In November 2024, Salem City Council had asked staff to explore a local option property tax levy, suggested by the 2024 Revenue Task Force. Councilors and City representatives have since discussed the levy with many groups around Salem and gathered input through a survey conducted by the Turell Group.
 

Survey results showed that 80% of respondents considered Community Services important, along with Public Works (67%), Fire (64%), Police (52%), and Community Planning (40%).
 

Budget Cuts

Additionally, the City approved $4.7 million of supplemental budget cuts in fiscal year 2024, followed by over $2 million in operational cuts in various departments in fiscal year.

  • Third-party audits ensure the city uses funds wisely.
  • Re-examined financial forecasts reduced the anticipated General Fund deficit for Fiscal Year 2026.
  • The city is seeking other revenue sources, such as payments from state-owned buildings and a possible solid waste fee to manage public encampments.

The Path Forward

Despite these efforts, a funding gap of about $13.8 million remains in the General Fund, and opportunities to fund community services are limited. The City Council must decide by February 28 if they will refer a five-year levy to voters for the May 2025 ballot.
 

At the February 24 meeting, the City Council will decide whether to put the livability levy on the May ballot.
 

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

 

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Salem City Manager Resigns -02/11/25

SALEM, Ore. -- Feb. 11, 2025 -- The Salem City Council accepted City Manager Keith Stahley's resignation on Monday, February 10, 2025.  Stahley began his tenure as Salem's City Manager on September 12, 2022, following a five-month recruitment.  At City Council's request, Mr. Stahley submitted his letter of resignation on February 9, 2025.  Per the terms of his contract, Mr. Stahley will receive a total of eight months' severance and is entitled to a pay out of accrued leave for a sum of $255,845.97.
 

"This was a hard decision," said Mayor Julie Hoy. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity for healing and coming together as we find the most effective path forward for our Council and our community."

The City Council will determine how to proceed with regard to a permanent replacement.
 

Effective immediately, Deputy City Manager Krishna Namburi will be Acting in Capacity as City Manager.  Krishna has been with the City of Salem for 25 years, serving as the Deputy City Manager since 2022, overseeing the Enterprise Services Department.  The Department consolidates services in support of business continuity and Citywide strategic initiatives including: Information Technology, Human Resources, Customer Service Center, Fleet, Facilities, and Risk Services. Krishna brings two decades of executive leadership in local government.

City Of Salem Reports Sewer Overflow Event -02/11/25

The City of Salem announced that an overflow of untreated sewage occurred into Gibson Creek on February 10, 2025, at approximately 7:15 pm near 3421 Wallace Rd NW. The overflow was caused by a grease blockage in the sewer line. City utility crews were immediately dispatched to the location and had the issue resolved by 9:37 pm. Approximately 3,550 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled.

 

Signs are being placed to warn residents to avoid water contact in Gibson Creek east of Wallace Road towards the Willamette River 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. Staff will continue to take water samples and any bacteria that entered the site should be flushed out of the water body in the next few days.

 

If you see an overflowing manhole or wish to report a spill, please call the Public Works Department Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311. 

 

Everyone can do their part to prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping sewers free of fats, oils, rags, and grease. Learn more about Sanitary Sewer Overflows and the steps taken by the City of Salem to reduce these events. 

MAYOR PRESENTS 2025 STATE OF THE CITY MAR. 5 (Photo) -02/07/25

Salem, Ore. - Join Salem Mayor Julie Hoy's State of the City address on Wednesday, March 5, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center. This year's event is hosted by the Salem Rotary Club, in cooperation with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Salem City Club.

 

The State of the City is the Mayor's annual report on the City of Salem's accomplishments in the past year and goals for the year to come.

Are you interested in attending? Both in-person and virtual viewing options are available for the live event. You can choose to attend in person at the Salem Convention Center or watch the event online. Reservations are required for those planning at attend the event in person. Reserve your tickets online. Doors open at 11:15 a.m.

If you'd rather watch the event online, you can watch live on CC:Media Comcast Cable Channel 21 or on the City of Salem YouTube channel.


For more information, please email lrose@cityofsalem.net or call 503-588-6255.

Attached Media Files: date-2025-02-04.pdf,

Local Contractors Sought For 2025 Construction Season -02/04/25

SALEM, Ore. -- Feb. 5, 2025 -- The City of Salem's construction season kicks off in February with projects from the 2022 Salem Community Safety and Livability Bond and other funding sources.  Contractors are invited to bid on a variety of projects including streets, bridge rehabilitation, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, parks pathways, playgrounds, sport courts, water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.  Two bids are also available for subcontractors to work on the Civic Center seismic project. 
 

Interested bidders can track open bids and awards through OregonBuys
 

To-date, approximately $20.6 million has been awarded from the $300 million, 2022 voter-approved Safety and Livability Bond.  Seventy percent, or $14.5 million, has been awarded to local contractors.    
 

In the first week of February, the following bids will be open:

  • Sanitary sewer cured in place pipe project in area of 17th and Silverton Road
  • Bridge strengthening at Mission Street at Pringle Creek and at 15th Street, 17th Street, and Liberty Street at Mill Creek
  • Street, storm improvements, culverts, and traffic signals on McGilchrist

 

In March 2025, the following bids will be open:

  • Traffic signal and ADA curb ramps at Davis Road
  • Athletic court improvements
  • Playground structures for Livingston and Morningside Parks
  • Waterline replacement

 

In April 2025, the following bids will be open:

  • Downtown Streetscape improvements
  • Pedestrian improvements for Macleay/Caplinger and Market/Aguilas
  • Shelter, sports fields, dog park, infield turf at Geer Park
  • Waterline replacement

 

In May 2025, the following bids will be open:

  • Pavement rehabilitation, ADA curb ramps, and intersection for 17th and Silverton Road NE
  • Pedestrian crossings at four locations
  • Wastewater pump station and force main evaluations with repair
  • Shelton Ditch improvements

 

More projects will bid in Fall 2025 and into the future.

City Of Salem's Snow Response Plan Focuses On Traffic Safety -01/31/25

SALEM, Ore--Snow might be on the way for Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley in the coming week. Our Public Works teams are ready to handle snow and ice. You can find Salem snowplow routes at https://www.cityofsalem.net/snowplan.
 

With 562 miles of streets to keep safe, a thorough snow response plan is critical for the City of Salem. We use weather tools to predict storms so we can act fast.
 

We focus on main roads and routes needed for emergency vehicles. Our Public Works Department is ready for bad weather with more equipment, including 7 heavy plow trucks.
 

The City applies magnesium chloride, a safer deicer, to stop ice from sticking to vulnerable roads.

During snowstorms, we clear main and secondary roads first to keep them open for travel.
 

Storm Response Levels

We use a scale of response levels:

  • Winter Storm Watch: Crews prepare and apply deicer within 36 hours if needed.
  • Winter Storm Advisory: An 80% chance of mild snow within 24 hours alerts everyone.
  • Winter Storm Warning: Big dangers make us use 12-hour shifts and update the public often.

Stay Informed About Roads

Read more about our Snow Response Plan. To know more about weather and roads, sign up for Marion-Polk Alerts. For real-time updates, look at the Current Road Conditions Map online. You can also use Oregon's TripCheck for more travel info.
 

If you see unsafe driving conditions, contact Public Works Dispatch anytime at 503-588-6311 or service@cityofsalem.net.
 

About Salem

Salem is committed to keeping its streets safe and transportation running smoothly, even in winter storms. Our Winter Storm Response Plan shows our dedication to public safety and good service.

 

Marion County, City Of Salem Hold Joint Work Session On Behavioral Health, Public Safety -01/31/25

SALEM, Ore. -- Jan. 30, 2025 -- The Marion County Commissioners hosted Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and the Salem City Council for a joint work session Thursday evening. 
 

This meeting was largely informational and focused on enhancing collaboration between the County and the City, exploring shared resources, and identifying innovative solutions to address the complex challenges facing our community. The County also presented on RESTORE court, a deflection initiative established after the passage of House Bill 4002, which aims to improve outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

 

 

"I am happy to be working collaboratively with Mayor Hoy and the City Council in this space," said Marion County Commissioner Chair Danielle Bethell. "By understanding the resources we can provide and working to cover the gaps in services, we can come together and find the most effective path forward to restoring individuals in crisis in our community."
 

Mayor Hoy echoed this sentiment: "I am encouraged with the dialogue and collaborative spirit demonstrated by both the County and the City. Our ongoing partnership is essential to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our residents. I look forward to continuing this work and turning these discussions into concrete actions."
 

The work session was the first of a series in the coming year to build a stronger opportunity for communication and a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Both the County and the City expressed commitment to ongoing collaboration.

 

###

City Of Salem Utility Customer Care Offices Will Be Closed January 30 -- February 3 For Software Transition -01/29/25

Salem, Ore. -- Beginning Thursday January 30, the City of Salem Utility Customer Care office and phonelines will be closed while they transition to the new billing software launching February 3, 2025. Online and phone payment systems will also be unavailable for the same period. No actions will be taken on accounts during this time as the system changeover occurs.
 

Beginning February 3, 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 the addition of modern payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and PayPal, beyond the traditional credit/debit and cash options. Ultimately, the software will allow the City of Salem Public Works to automate many processes, reduce paper, and become more efficient with limited resources.
 

Utility customers have received notifications via mail and email throughout the last month, updating them on the software transition. 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 register at: utilitybilling@cityofsalem.net, or 503-588-6099, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 

More information is available at: 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 phonelines 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 23rd 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.

 

Skatepark Work Launches 2025 Geer Park Build-out (Photo) -01/28/25

  • Exciting new features and upgrades are coming to Geer Park!
  • The projects will include a new skatepark, dog park, and upgraded sports fields.

 

Salem, Ore. -- Get ready for big changes at Geer Community Park! Beginning in March, construction will start to add fun new features and make the existing facilities even better.

The projects will be funded by the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond, System Development Charge funds, and a grant. This funding will help meet various park needs across the City, says Rob Romanek, Parks Planning Manager.
 

"We have a huge need for fields in the City," Romanek said. "We have high needs across the board. We're long overdue for a second skatepark, and we have a lack of reservable picnic shelters throughout the City and in the northeast especially. And we can really use a second dog park."

Skatepark

The first step is the Geer Park Skatepark and Pathway Improvements Project, designed to create a safe place for skating, biking, and scooting. The new state-of-the-art skatepark will be a major enhancement, the result of extensive public engagement in 2021 and 2022. The project supports goals for a more livable and inclusive community.
 

On January 27, Salem City Council approved the final budget, adding $1.44 million to cover higher construction costs. A $500,000 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department rounds out the $4.64 million budget, with no money from the City's General Fund.

Bond-Funded Projects

Improvements with 2022 Safety and Livability Bond funds include:

  • A new fenced dog park, with separate areas for energetic and timid dogs
  • Reconstructed soccer fields
  • Upgrades to two baseball fields with artificial turf, allowing for both baseball and softball play

Timing

These projects should conclude by October, but the soccer fields and the new dog park will be closed in the fall to allow new sod to become established. Soccer will be diverted to other locations, including fields at McKay Park, River Road Park, and Wallace Marine Park. When Geer Park fields reopen in 2026, McKay Park fields will get upgrades, making four great fields in total.

About Geer Park

Once finished, Geer Park will be one of five large community parks providing the entire city with a variety of activities and outdoor recreation facilities. The first part of the park, built in 2005, focused on sports fields, restrooms, and trails.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: graphic.pdf, Improvements.pdf,

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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