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Salem Council approves $124,943 to keep Salem Skipper running through August
Summary
The Salem City Council on May 28 approved a $124,943.40 appropriation to extend the Salem Skipper ride service through the end of August after dozens of residents urged the council to preserve the program; councilors said longer-term funding remains unresolved.
The Salem City Council voted May 28 to appropriate $124,943.40 from the Transportation Enhancement Fund to the FTA Salem Skipper expansion account, approving short-term funding to keep the on‑demand Salem Skipper service running through the end of August.
Councilor Davis, who moved the appropriation, said the money will “help continue the service through the end of August” while city staff and the mayor continue searching for stable long‑term funding. The measure passed on a voice vote.
Residents who use or rely on the Skipper urged the council to act. Rachel Spadafore, a Ward 6 resident who said she used the Skipper for years, told the council the service offered affordable, accessible rides that let her shop, attend appointments and maintain independence when walking and driving are difficult. “Salem Skipper has allowed me to experience freedom and independence,” Spadafore said.
Kristen Bellew, another rider, said the Skipper’s round trip cost is about $4 versus roughly $25 for an Uber, and losing it would impose a fivefold increase on some users. Speakers emphasized the service’s role for elderly residents, high‑school students and people without cars.
Several councilors framed the vote as a stopgap. Councilor Hollapa and others said the Skipper had benefited from special funding and that the city needs to find a more stable revenue source or alternative transit model. Councilor King noted the FY2027 budget process presents opportunities to consider longer-term support.
Votes at a glance - Appropriation to FTA Salem Skipper expansion account ($124,943.40): approved (voice vote). - Jay Carroll confirmed as city engineer (term to Feb. 1, 2028): confirmed by roll call, 11–0. - Retirement COLA base increased from $15,000 to $20,000 (Retirement Board Schedule 4): approved by roll call; 9 in favor, 2 recused. - Resolution supporting Massachusetts H.1405/S.860 (Medicare for All): adopted by roll call (unanimous recorded votes present on the roll calls in transcript). - Essex Street resident‑permit ordinance (first passage, amended): passed first reading as amended.
What’s next The appropriation keeps the Skipper operating through August. Councilors said staff will continue pursuing state aid, grants and budget options and that further discussion of long‑term transit solutions will continue in upcoming budget and committee deliberations.
