Committee Recommends Approval of 2027 Budget

On May 6, the Salem Budget Committee recommended approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget, concluding the panel's part of the budget process.

"We committed ourselves to focusing on the long-term fiscal health of this organization and to making disciplined decisions that position Salem for the future," City Manager Krishna Namburi told the group, explaining the budgeting strategy.

The proposed budget now heads to the Salem City Council. At the Council's June 8 meeting, a public hearing will offer local residents a chance to comment on the budget and state revenue sharing. Council will consider budget approval at its June 22, as well as adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan.

The committee also recommended an amendment to the budget to study economic development as it relates to earned wages within the City of Salem.

Community comments and feedback prompted a change within the budget. The committee approved a staff recommendation to match last year's funding for the library's subscriptions, collections and materials. The change was funded by delaying the hiring of a City volunteer coordinator until October and using carryover funds from the previous year.

"As we conclude this budget process tonight, I want to thank this Budget Committee, the Council, staff and the community for the thoughtful engagement over the past several weeks," the City Manager said. "These conversations have not always been easy, but they have been important."