Local News – Friday, January 28th, 2022

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After approval of the consent agenda, Bill #3498 that would create an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article 1 of the code of ordinances pertaining to the disconnection of utility services was read by City Clerk Tammy Koller. The board did not approve this bill that clarified some of the language on a previous bill concerning reconnections during extreme weather conditions. The board recommended the ordinance be sent to the Utility Committee for further clarification. The board approved the purchase of a new police car for $45,579 with a trade allowance of $31,000 and an administration fee of $399 for a balance of $14,978. A total of $8,000 will come from the Capital Improvement Sales Tax fund and the remainder would need to come from a budget adjustment. The board approved purchasing 20 class two 30-foot and 20 class four 45-foot utility poles for the Electric Department at a cost of $14,520. This is a budgeted expense. City Administrator Ray Walden asked Tod Kinerk and Tabitha Utley to provide an update on the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. They thanked the city for their financial support to promote tourism. They reported that the Tourism Tax has provided funding for the digital display sign as well as rent for the new chamber office. The Chambers revenue comes from member dues, corporate sponsorships as well as the rodeo, which is their largest fundraising event. Walden reported that the Salem Community Center @ the Armory had a total of 5,359 participants for the month of December. There will be a Park Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 2nd at 5:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. A joint Utility and Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for February 15th. Bids are being requested for the Fourth of July fireworks display as well as designs for the new Soccer Complex. Mayor Kim Steelman encouraged citizens that have had their electric restored during cold weather, that was previously disconnected for non-payment, to make every effort to pay as much on their bills as possible. She reminded citizens that payment plans are available. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported that the Street Department building roof is getting repairs and that there have been several water line breaks in the past week. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack wanted to remind citizens of the text blast service that is available to get important alerts and reminders from the city. Alderman Greg Parker recently met with the Airport Board and that they are working on bids for a card reader, a motor for the gate and a fuel pump that will be brought to a future board meeting. Finance Director, Stacey Houston presented a financial statement for the 6-month period from July 1st through December 31st, 2021.Total fund balances for all funds are $5,234,395. Major Revenue sources for the first six months of the fiscal year were the 1% General Revenue sales tax at $699,608, the Park and Recreation 3/8ths of a cent sales tax total at $262,366, the Capital Improvement 1/2 cent sales tax at $349,804, electricity sales of $2,623,829, water sales of $524,030 and sewer sales at $499,670. All are expected to exceed the budgeted amount. The board then went into closed session.