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.
# # #
