Salem, Ore. — In accordance with City Charter, Keith Stahley, Salem City Manager has finalized the Proposed FY 2025 Budget. The Proposed FY 2025 Budget will be distributed to Citizen Budget Committee members Friday, April 12, 2024. The Proposed FY 2024 Budget will also be available online late Friday afternoon.
This budget proposal comes at a time of uncertainty. Over the past 10 years Salem’s population has grown by over 23,000 people, driving a demand for more and different City services. Some City services have funding that meets the growing needs of the community. The General Fund has not kept pace with increasing demand. In 2023, voters did not approve a new revenue source for the General Fund to continue services causing us to adopt a mid-year supplemental budget eliminating vacant positions. The reductions in the Proposed FY 2025 Budget reflect difficult choices made after thorough deliberation to move toward fiscal sustainability.
The formal submittal of the City Manager’s Proposed FY 2025 Budget marks the beginning of the deliberations process for the Citizen Budget Committee. Comprised of resident members, the Mayor, and City Council, the 18-member Citizen Budget Committee is the fiscal planning advisory board. Its role is to review quarterly financial reports and the five-year financial forecast, then to analyze and recommend a budget to the City Council and adopt the City’s property tax levy rate.
The City’s $724.6 million proposed budget for 2025 covers the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and includes estimates of revenue and costs of services and capital projects.
Salem’s Citizen Budget Committee begins their work on the City Manager’s proposed 2025 budget at the first of four scheduled meetings Wednesday, April 17, at 6 p.m. at Salem Council Chambers, 555 Liberty Street SE., in Salem. Weekly Wednesday meetings continue April 24, May 1, and May 8. All will be held at Council Chambers. The April 24th meeting will include a public hearing for the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and review of the Salem Urban Renewal Agency (URA) budget.
Any person may provide written testimony on the City and Urban Renewal Agency budgets for consideration by the Budget Committee. Send written testimony to budgetoffice@cityofsalem.net by 3 p.m. the day of the meeting. In-person public comment will also be available at the meeting. To provide testimony through video conference, sign up online the day of the meeting between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The meetings are available to view online through the CC:Media YouTube channel or Comcast channel 21.
Budget Process Overview
The City’s Budget Document is the primary tool to determine program and policy priorities.
Early September 2023– Leadership Team begins discussion of potential budget scenarios
Developed Budget Operating Principles
September 18, 2023 – City Council continues discussion of structural budget imbalances and receives a five-year reduction scenario
October 2023 –five-year financial forecast begins development
January – March 2024 – City Departments develop budgets and submit for review and approval by the City Manager
January 2024 – financial forecast presented to Budget Committee
Budget Committee meetings, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
March 14, 2024 - Proposed Reduction Scenarios presented to Budget Committee
March 21, 2024
April 17, 2024
April 24, 2024
May 1, 2024 - Budget Committee deliberates on a Budget Recommendation
May 8, 2024 – Budget Committee recommends budget to the City Council
May – Community presentations regarding Recommended Budget
June - City Council hold a public hearing and adopts Annual Budget
Salem, Ore. Earlier today Salem Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire at 3362 Sunnyview Road NE.
Upon arrival the structure was fully involved. Crews made entry into the structure and located a fire victim during the primary search. The victim was removed from the building and was moved to an awaiting ambulance. After examination and a medical consult with the hospital it was determined that he was deceased and no further treatment was possible and resuscitation efforts were ceased.
The victim's identity withheld pending notification to next of kin.
Salem Police Department and Salem Fire Department investigators are in the process of determining the cause of this fire.
Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is warning drivers that use Madrona Avenue SE that the road will be closed east of Fairview Industrial Drive SE to 22nd Street SE beginning Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. The one-day closure is necessary to repair and replace the pavement pad at the railroad crossing on Madrona Avenue SE. Local access to nearby businesses will be permitted during construction.
- Location: Madrona Avenue SE at Fairview Industrial Drive SE and 22nd Street SE
- Date and Time: Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Affected Areas: The Madrona Avenue closure will include travel lanes, sidewalks, and parking spaces near the train tracks in the construction zone.
- Caution: Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage, and watch for workers in the area.
The Active Construction Map provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem. For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net
Salem, Ore. — Drivers in Southeast Salem should be aware of a road closure on Turner Road SE, south of Boone Road SE and north of Deer Park Road SE beginning April 1, 2024. The closure will continue through April 15, 2024.
During construction, northbound traffic will be detoured to Deer Park Road SE continuing to the Aumsville Highway. Drivers are encouraged to use Delany Road to Commercial Street as an alternate route.
The construction is part of the new 900,000 square-foot Dollar General Development currently under construction and is necessary to connect the development to new utility infrastructure in the area. The Dollar General property will be a dry goods and cold storage distribution, dispatch, and administration center for the company.
Details:
- Location: Turner Road S from Deer Park Dr SE to Boone Rd SE
- Date and Time: Monday, April 1, 2024, continuing to April 15, 2024.
- Affected Areas: Deer Park Dr SE to Boone Rd SE
- Caution: Drivers are urged to use Deer Park Dr SE and Aumsville Highway as detours, follow all traffic signage, and watch for workers in the area.
The Active Construction Map provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem. To report issues, contact the City of Salem’s Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.
Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is informing drivers who use McGilchrist Street SE that the intersection at 22nd Street SE will be closed to traffic beginning April 1, 2024. The closure will continue through July 2024.
This project is partially funded through the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond project approved by the voters and will:
- enhance traffic flow
- increase pedestrian and bicycle safety
- improve stormwater infrastructure to protect homes and businesses from flooding
During the closure, drivers are advised to follow designated detour routes and use caution while traveling near work zones. Traffic congestion is expected and drivers in the area should expect some delays.
Details:
Location: McGilchrist Street SE at 22nd Street SE
Date and Time: Monday, April 1, 2024, continuing to July 2024.
Affected Areas: The McGilchrist Street closure will include travel lanes and sidewalks within 650 feet of the intersection.
Caution: Drivers are urged to use 12th Street, 25th Street, Madrona Street, and Mission Street as detours, follow all traffic signage, and watch for workers in the area.
Find details about the McGilchrist Street Project or other Safety and Livability Bond Projects at the City of Salem’s website. The Active Construction Map provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem. To report issues, contact the City of Salem’s Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.