Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek Backs Salem Livability Levy, Concept of State Payment to Capital City
“Oregon governor and Salem resident Tina Kotek plans to vote for a temporary new property tax levy that aims to keep the city’s library, parks and senior center open as the capital city faces a $14 million budget gap. “
“Oregon governor and Salem resident Tina Kotek plans to vote for a temporary new property tax levy that aims to keep the city’s library, parks and senior center open as the capital city faces a $14 million budget gap.
Kotek told reporters Monday that she will support the levy, which would charge property owners 98 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or about $229 annually for the average Salem homeowner. She said she hoped other residents would join her.
“They’ve made a strong case that (the levy) will help keep the senior center open, the libraries open,” Kotek said. “It’s a really important measure.”"
Dozens Urge Salem Budget Committee to Save Library, Parks from 'Devastating' Cuts, Layoffs
“Children, library staff and the public urged the Salem Budget Committee on April 16 to do everything possible to avoid what many called "devastating" cuts to the city's public library, parks and Center 50+.
According to the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, 51.4 full-time equivalent positions would be cut, including 20 employees at Salem Public Library, 15 at parks and recreation, two people at Center 50+ and one person supporting the Community Services Department.
The budget comes as the city faces a $13.8 million general fund shortfall.
Passage of a five-year community services and livability local option levy in the May 20 election could save major services and jobs on the chopping block.
Dozens of attendees held signs for the committee to "Save our library, parks and Center 50+."
More than 60 people submitted written testimony against the proposed cuts. Public testimony included tears, anger, disappointment and impassioned pleas…”
Salem Statesman-Journal: Meet our Mid-Valley: Volunteers play key role in operating Salem's Center 50+
By 2030, 1 in 6 people worldwide will be over the age of 60. In Salem, many of these older residents are served by Center 50+.
The community center geared toward older people at 2615 Portland Road NE offers more than 200 programs and services, a fitness center, retirement planning, a woodshop, classes, respite programs and artisan shops. Its average daily attendance in 2024 was 712.
Services at Center 50+ are at risk of being cut. If the five-year levy on the May ballot that would fund the library, parks and Center 50+ does not pass, two paid positions at the center will be cut, according to the proposed 2026 budget.
The center depends heavily on volunteers, so the eliminated positions could impact classes and services. In 2024, 465 volunteers gave 105,000 hours of their time to teach classes, drive people and help operate the center.
KMUZ: A Primer on Salem's "Livability Levy" with the Coalition Leading the Campaign
“Hear about Salem’s Operations Levy on the May ballot and what services are at stake for the residents of Salem. Leaders of the Salem Livability Levy Coalition PAC - David Levy, Karen Bolliger and Carol Snyder - talk about how passage of the levy would affect the city library, Center 50+ and parks & recreation services & programs.”
Listen at kmuz.org.
“Hear about Salem’s Operations Levy on the May ballot and what services are at stake for the residents of Salem. Leaders of the Salem Livability Levy Coalition PAC - David Levy, Karen Bolliger and Carol Snyder - talk about how passage of the levy would affect the city library, Center 50+ and parks & recreation services & programs.”
Listen at kmuz.org.