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Salem council directs staff to refer five-year "livability" levy to voters at 98¢ per $1,000
Summary
The Salem City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to put a five‑year local option levy on the May ballot at 98¢ per $1,000 to fund libraries, parks, and Center 50 Plus.
The Salem City Council voted 8–0 Monday to direct staff to return Feb. 24 with a resolution referring a five-year local option levy to the May ballot at a rate of 98¢ per $1,000 of assessed value.
City staff presented two primary levy scenarios: a 98¢ option and a $1.09 option. Chief Financial Officer Josh Eggleston told council that the 98¢ scenario would generate an estimated $14 million to $16.6 million over five years, maintain current staffing for parks and recreation and Center 50 Plus, and restore some library hours through three additional full‑time-equivalent positions. Eggleston recommended accountability measures including placing levy revenue into a separate fund and a specific audit to ensure compliance with ballot language.
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