Salem adopts 2025‑26 budget after debate over $5,000 airport gate

The Salem City Council adopted the City’s annual budget (bill 36‑79) after several rounds of motions and discussion about airport capital items. Staff presented a balanced budget that staff said had revenues exceeding expenditures by roughly $1,000,000 and included the use of approximately $800,000 in prior‑year fund balances across six funds to cover carryovers and capital projects.

A focal point of debate was an airport item: staff described the construction of a new six‑hangar and discussed operating concerns. Staff cited an out‑of‑pocket figure for the new hangar that was spoken as "roughly 41,042 thousand dollars" in the transcript; the phrasing is ambiguous and the exact amount was not specified in later discussion. Staff also said projected hangar revenue was about $10,916 and noted recent draws on airport reserve funds. Council members questioned whether an automated gate (budgeted at $5,000) and a security camera ($2,500) should be included now; some members raised liability concerns and doubts about whether a gate would stop unauthorized access, while others supported cameras for monitoring.

Multiple motions to approve the budget were made; two early motions failed for lack of a second. A final motion to approve the budget as presented was made and seconded. The clerk took a roll call: Alderman Whelan — yes; Alderman Letchworth — yes; Alderman McKenzie — no; Alderman McDent — no. The mayor then cast a yes vote and the budget was adopted.

Staff asked for direction on whether to remove the gate funding if the council preferred; the council chose to approve the budget as submitted and staff was directed to proceed under that authorization. Staff also noted they will continue to provide committee review and bring specific departmental spending back to the council as needed.