Salem council directs staff to draft citywide donations policy to boost transparency

The Salem City Council voted Nov. 10 to direct staff to prepare a council policy covering acceptance of donations to the city. Councilor Nordyke introduced the motion citing transparency and accountability concerns; the motion was seconded and approved on roll call with all councilors present voting Aye and Mayor Julie Hoy absent.

Nordyke told the council that donations range widely—from small gifts to high‑profile offers that carry long‑term obligations—and that a uniform policy is needed so donors, staff and elected officials know how offers will be handled. "No matter who that donation comes from, how much it is, or what it is for, I think everyone should be treated the same," Nordyke said.

City staff told council there is no single written city donation policy today. The attorney noted the city does maintain grant policies and administrative procedures, but donations have been handled ad hoc. Staff flagged several issues they expect to cover in the draft policy: thresholds for council approval versus city‑manager authority, whether anonymous donations may be accepted and how to treat conditional donations that create future obligations (for example, donations that would require ongoing maintenance funding).

Councilors raised specific concerns they want staff to address in the draft, including recusal standards when donors also contribute to campaigns, whether donations for staffing or public‑safety items should be treated differently than donations for capital, and how to create a public record for large gifts. The attorney said staff will review policies used by other jurisdictions and return a proposed draft to council for deliberation.