Salem committee backs legal department budget, approves PEG access pass-through

The City of Salem Committee on Administration and Finance voted to recommend approval of the legal department’s fiscal 2026 personnel and expenses lines and separately recommended continued funding for public, educational and government (PEG) access that the city passes through to Salem Access TV.

The legal department presentation was led by Beth Renard, city solicitor. Renard said, “The budget before you for the legal department includes the solicitor's office, licensing board, DEI and there's also a budget for the PEG access which is a pass through that goes to Salem Access TV.” She described new line items including AFSCME longevity payments and a $2,100 stipend for a state-approved alternate licensing-board member.

The committee chair moved and Councillor Stott made a motion to recommend approval of the solicitor and licensing board personnel line of $550,078 and an expenditures line of $84,900, for a department total of $634,978. The motion was seconded and carried with the committee indicating four affirmative votes.

The committee then considered the PEG access item. Chair Merkel noted the program is funded by Comcast and “we receive funds from Comcast that we immediately pass along to SATV,” and described the channel’s role in equity in government access. Councillor Stott moved to recommend approval of the PEG access expenditure of $691,250; the motion was seconded and carried with a positive recommendation to the full council.

The committee did not identify any changes to the legal department request during questioning. Councillors thanked the solicitor’s office for accessibility and ordinance work during the discussion.

The committee’s recommendations will appear on the full City Council agenda for final action.