The Salem City Council unanimously passed the city’s property tax levy for next year’s tax bills Monday night. It is 3.95-percent higher than what was collected this year. The council also abated a general obligation bond that is being paid off with property tax revenue.
Two residents expressed concern about pausing Tax Increment Financing projects that were already in the approval process, but had not yet made it to the city council. Josh Dice and Jamie Richardson appeared during public comment.
The pause was announced at the last meeting to allow for review of current projects and to get figures on how much money the districts would be receiving this year through property taxes. The city’s new economic development director could also help shape the new policy.
The city council had no changes to a proposed job description for the city’s new economic development director. City Manager Lisa Peck will now work on advertising the position. She’s hopeful of filling the position by early next year, but says that will depend on the candidate pool.
The council went into closed session to discuss purchase of property, but took no action.
