The city of Salem will hold three work sessions this week on the proposed 2026 fiscal year budget. All sessions will be held in City Hall, at 114 N. Broad St. in Salem. Meetings will occur at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Friday.
The proposed budget was presented last Monday by City Manager Chris Dorsey. Here are some highlights from that presentation:
The city has proposed a 2-cent decrease in the real estate tax rate, which would bring the real estate tax rate to $1.18 per $100. The budget also proposes increased funding for school operations and capital.
The city’s proposed general fund revenues are projected to increase 4.4%, including a 7.3% projected growth in real estate tax revenue.
Pay increases of approximately 4% are projected for eligible full-time employees.
The budget includes $3 million for paving work, utilizing highway maintenance funds.
Money has also been set aside in the proposed budget for a new ambulance at Fire Station 2, improvements to the streets department and the civic center, a fire station location study, data center cooling unit replacements and stormwater upgrades.
Mike Stevens, communications director for the city, said at least the first two days of work sessions will consist of departments making presentations to the council and city manager before the council makes any comments about the proposed budget.
The public hearing on the proposed budget will likely be held on May 27, Stevens said, before the budget is approved in June.
Agendas for Salem City Council meetings can be viewed here.
