Salem City Council unanimously refers five-year livability levy to May ballot

The Salem City Council voted unanimously Feb. 24 to refer a five-year community services and livability local option levy to the May 2025 ballot.

The levy question as drafted would ask voters whether to maintain parks, recreation, library and Center 50 Plus services with a five-year local option levy; the explanatory statement says the measure's revenue would restore and maintain library operations and programs, parks maintenance and operations, recreation services and Center 50 Plus services. The city attorney's draft text also states that without additional revenue some city services could face continued reductions.

Council Chief Financial Officer Josh Eggleston said the levy would be collected in a separate fund and estimated to raise about $14.0 million in the first year and about $16.6 million in the final year, with an estimated total of roughly $14—$16.6 million over five years. The city would maintain an oversight committee and a dedicated audit for levy funds. Eggleston said the levy would not fully eliminate the general fund shortfall but would make it much more manageable and protect other city services.

Councilors debating the measure emphasized outreach, transparency and the limited scope of the levy. Supporters from the public and local organizations told council the levy would protect libraries as community job and learning resources, preserve parks and recreation programs, and keep senior services at Center 50 Plus. Opponents urged delay to rebuild trust after recent council controversies and said polling suggested the measure could be difficult to pass.

City Attorney Dan Acheson reviewed the ballot caption, the 20-word question and a 175-word explanatory statement; the materials include an estimate of cost to a typical residence (presented in the draft as approximately $220 per year based on median assessed values). Council amended the resolution to ensure the final wording of the question matched the caption approved earlier in the evening and directed the city attorney to file the final ballot title for the county.

Council President Nishioka moved adoption of Resolution 2025-6 referring the five-year community services and livability local option levy; the motion passed on a roll call vote with all councilors voting aye.

The council's action sends the measure to Marion County for placement on the May 2025 ballot and starts a campaign period of public outreach and community organizing by city staff and local supporters. If an appeal to the ballot title is filed, that appeal would be resolved by the Salem Municipal Court before the county finalizes ballot materials.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution 2025-6 (refer five-year community services and livability local option levy to May 2025 ballot) — Motion: adopt; Mover: Council President Nishioka; Second: Councilor Teigen; Vote: unanimous (all present voted Aye).

What happens next: the city attorney will file the final ballot title with Marion County; staff and coalition partners will begin voter outreach and an oversight committee will be established to review levy spending and the required audits.