Salem Council Discusses Avelo Airline Services at Upcoming Finance Committee Meeting

The City of Salem Council convened on July 28, 2025, to discuss various pressing issues, including financial matters related to commercial air service and upcoming committee meetings.

The meeting began with Councilor Varney raising questions about the timeline for discussions on commercial air operations, specifically regarding the potential involvement of the finance committee. Chief Financial Officer Josh Adelson confirmed that the next finance committee meeting is scheduled for August 18, coinciding with a planned work session. Varney expressed concern about the implications of Avelo Airlines ceasing operations at Salem, noting that it was the only commercial airline serving the city. He inquired about the status of other Western airports that also lost Avelo service, questioning how many were solely dependent on the airline for commercial air travel.

Councilor Teigen supported Varney's approach, suggesting that establishing threshold questions would be beneficial for the upcoming work session.

The meeting highlighted the council's proactive stance on addressing the challenges posed by the loss of commercial air service and the importance of financial oversight in navigating these issues. Further discussions are anticipated during the work session, where council members will delve deeper into the implications of these developments.