News – Wednesday, December 17th 2025

The City of Salem Utility Committee held its regular meeting last Wednesday evening at 6:15 in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. Co-Chair Alderman John Whelan presided in Chairman Alderman Kinsey’s absence. After roll call and approval of the agenda and previous minutes, Whelan read Kinsey’s prepared chairman’s report, which began with recognition of former committee member Harold Hamilton, who recently passed away, for his dedication and service to the Salem community. Kinsey’s report also included instructions on how to navigate the city’s website to locate current utility rates. The committee then discussed the sewer plant mitigation projects and FEMA recommendations. To date, the city has received $43,392 in FEMA reimbursements for emergency services to restore power at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and operate a generator; $46,895 for replacing oxidation rotors and installing a new WEG motor; and $59,349 for replacing a three-phase breaker, engineering services, and various electrical components. In total, the city has received $149,636 in FEMA reimbursements. The WWTP still needs to replace fencing, aerator panels, and six electrical panel boxes. This project is estimated at $250,255, with $187,691 expected to be reimbursed, leaving the city’s final cost at $62,564. FEMA has also recommended several mitigation efforts, including raising electrical panels six feet and installing a concrete barrier around the main panel to reduce future flood damage. The recommended mitigation projects total $82,565. FEMA has not yet confirmed whether any of these proposed mitigation costs will be reimbursed. If not reimbursed, the city would be responsible for an estimated $145,129, which would be paid from the Sewer Reserve Fund, reducing its balance from $265,836 to $120,707. Committee member Kyle Williams initially made a motion to reject all projects, expressing concern about placing additional financial strain on citizens already facing rising sewer service costs. Williams later rescinded his motion after City Administrator Sally Burbridge clarified that the city has already been approved to proceed with the initial project involving fencing, aerator panels, and electrical panel replacements. Williams then made another motion to delay approval of FEMA-recommended mitigation projects until FEMA confirms whether they will reimburse the city. At that time, if necessary, the committee will call an emergency meeting for a vote, as FEMA has imposed a July 2026 deadline for completing all WWTP projects. The amended motion passed. Burbridge also reported that Viking Industrial Painting – Water Tower Painting & Maintenance is developing a proposed maintenance schedule and pricing. Following the financial report from Finance Director Stacy Houston, billing updates from Shannon Letchworth, and a utilities crew report from Steve Paine, the meeting adjourned. The next regular Utility Committee meeting is scheduled for February 11 in the auditorium and is open to the public.

According to the City of Salem, recent high winds have blown several flower arrangements from headstones and gravesites at Cedar Grove Cemetery. If you are missing any arrangements, please check with staff at the Cemetery shop. They have collected the items found on the grounds, and you may stop by to reclaim any that belong to your loved ones.