Keizer council adopts two supplemental budgets; debates Salem Chamber membership and event-center fee waiver

Keizer — The Keizer City Council on Feb. 3 adopted two supplemental budget resolutions after public hearings and debated a set of administrative items including whether to join the Salem Chamber of Commerce and a fee-waiver request for the Keizer Chamber’s "State of the City" event.

Workers' compensation supplemental budget The council opened a public hearing on a supplemental budget request for the stormwater fund to cover workers' compensation claims. Assistant City Manager Tim Wood explained the city budgets a base premium (roughly $68,000–$70,000) but may need supplemental transfers as claims arrive. Staff requested a transfer of $27,600 from contingency to personal services to cover current claims.

Council President Starr moved adoption; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The council recorded no objections and the resolution authorizing the supplemental budget for the stormwater fund (workers' compensation) was adopted.

Police insurance proceeds supplemental budget The council then opened a second public hearing to recognize and appropriate $43,700 in insurance proceeds to the general fund police operations repair and maintenance account to cover vehicle repairs resulting from accidents. Staff recommended recognizing and appropriating the proceeds.

Council President Starr moved adoption; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The council recorded no objections and the resolution recognizing the insurance proceeds and authorizing the supplemental appropriation for police operations was adopted.

Salem Chamber membership: council defers decision to budget process Staff presented information about joining the Salem Chamber of Commerce at the convener level ($3,000 annually) and listed member benefits, including event access and networking opportunities. Executive director Tom Hofford of the Salem Chamber addressed the council.

Councilors debated whether to pay the $3,000 now from contingency or include it in the 2025–26 budget process. A motion to join the Salem Chamber at the convener level was moved and seconded; the motion failed on the record. By consensus, council directed staff to include the membership in the 2025–26 budget for council and public review.

Event center fee waiver: Chamber requests waiver for "State of the City" The Keizer Chamber of Commerce requested a waiver of the event-center use fee for its annual State of the City luncheon scheduled for March 11, 2025. Staff reported the facility fee for the requested time is $375 (after a 25% nonprofit discount) plus $250 for AV and stage use, for a total of $625; the chamber requested a full waiver but offered to pay the refundable security deposit.

A motion to approve the waiver (waiving facility use fees but charging the refundable security deposit) was moved and seconded and was discussed at the dais. The transcript in the provided segment records the motion and discussion; a final roll-call vote on that motion is not included in the excerpt provided.