Salem City schedules vacant‑buildings workshop, hears finance and public works reports and votes to enter closed session

City Administrator Burbridge (speaker 7) told the council staff has scheduled two workshops: ‘‘Leading Your Water Utility’’ on Aug. 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Armory Rotary Room (lunch provided) and a shorter, half‑hour workshop on vacant buildings to be held at 5:30 p.m. before the next council meeting; the board chose to address vacant buildings first.

Finance Director Stacy Houston (speaker 10) presented fiscal year 25 results, reporting an 8% increase in sales tax revenue over the prior year (about $200,000 more than budgeted). She said general fund sales tax totaled just over $3.1 million; parks and recreation sales tax roughly $577,000; and capital improvement sales tax around $764,000. Houston also reviewed utility activity and year‑end fund balances (total funds just under $14.3 million) and noted that some expenditures were still being posted.

Public Works Director Steve Payne (speaker 9) updated the council on projects: Phase 2 work and fencing at the wastewater treatment plant, water main repairs, street curb and gutter work on West Bergman, and a FEMA mitigation project planned near the wastewater facility that could be eligible for reimbursement. Payne also discussed modifying parking and access at the Armory to improve ambulance access.

Near the meeting's end, Mayor asked for a motion to enter a closed session to discuss contracts. Alderman Dent moved, Alderman McKenzie seconded, and the council voted unanimously to enter closed session.

Why it matters: the workshop scheduling sets a near‑term opportunity for board education on water‑utility management and vacant‑building policy; the financial presentation provides an early view of FY25 results relevant to budgeting and service planning; public works updates describe projects that affect local infrastructure and safety.