Salem, Ore. – At their February 24 Salem City Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to advance a plan to fund important community services to the May 20, 2025 ballot. These services include park operations, restored library hours, recreation activities, and Center 50+ programs.

If the five-year operating levy is approved, at $0.98 per $1,000 of assessed value, the average Salem home valued at $224,000 would pay about $220 each year. Revenue from this levy would be held in a special fund and pay only for:

• Restoring and continuing Salem Public Library services
• Continuing operation and programs for Center 50+
• Management and maintenance of Salem parks and recreation facilities like playgrounds, ball fields, trails, and more
• Recreation programming and events, including youth camps, sports, and community activities

Learn more about the Livability Levy proposal on the City’s website.

A local option levy, lasting up to five years, is a temporary voter-approved property tax increase for specific services, like parks and libraries. Other communities often use similar levies to fund schools, public transportation, and other local services.