Salem, OR – The city of Salem has unveiled a proposed budget for 2026, which includes sweeping cuts across various city services. Among the most notable proposals are the layoff of more than half of the city’s library workforce, a drastic reduction in public library hours, and the closure of the West Salem branch. Additionally, the budget calls for turning off water fountains and splash pads at many of Salem’s parks.
In response to these significant cuts, a series of public budget committee meetings will take place over the next month, offering residents the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on the proposals. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16, at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers located at 555 Liberty St. S.E. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide public testimony on the budget plan.
Those wishing to speak during the meeting must pre-register for live testimony, either in person or virtually, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting. For those unable to attend in person, written testimony can be submitted either by email to budgetoffice@cityofsalem.net or by calling 503-588-6040 to arrange for a drop-off of written statements by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
The proposed budget, totaling $764 million, aims to address a $14 million deficit in the city’s general fund. The cuts include eliminating approximately 51 full-time positions, primarily in the library and parks maintenance departments, along with two part-time staff members at Center 50+. These staffing reductions are expected to have far-reaching consequences on public services throughout the city.
The Salem City Budget Committee, which includes the mayor, all city councilors, and nine volunteer members from the public, will deliberate on the proposed budget over the next four Wednesdays. The committee’s discussions will likely include a review of the proposed cuts, as well as the possibility of making adjustments based on public feedback. The final budget will be presented to the Salem City Council for approval, with a decision expected by June 2025. If approved, the budget will take effect in July 2025.
In addition to the budget cuts, city leaders are urging voters to approve a property tax increase during a special election on May 20. If the measure passes, officials have indicated that many of the proposed service reductions could be avoided, providing a potential lifeline for essential city services.
The April 16 budget meeting will be streamed live in both English and Spanish, allowing for greater accessibility and community involvement.
As the city faces challenging financial decisions, residents are encouraged to take part in the public process, either through in-person attendance, virtual testimony, or written comments. This is a pivotal moment for Salem’s future, with budgetary decisions likely to shape the city’s services for years to come.
