Salem residents will have an opportunity to comment on proposed increases to water, wastewater and stormwater rates after the city council voted unanimously on Monday night to schedule a public hearing for Monday, Dec. 14. The hearing will allow the public to review the city’s plan to adjust utility fees for the upcoming fiscal year.
According to a staff report from Public Works Director Brian Martin, the Salem Water/Wastewater Task Force met five times between July and October to determine the level of rate adjustments needed to sustain the city’s water infrastructure and stormwater management programs. The task force’s analysis formed the basis for the council’s decision to move forward with a formal hearing.
Councilors discussed the proposal during their regular meeting on Monday and agreed to hold the hearing in December to give residents ample time to review the details and submit comments. The council’s unanimous vote reflects a consensus that a transparent public process is essential before any rate changes are implemented.
City officials indicated that the proposed rate adjustments are intended to address rising operational costs, infrastructure upgrades, and compliance with state environmental regulations. No specific dollar amounts or percentage increases were disclosed in the staff report, but the task force’s findings suggest that the adjustments are necessary to maintain reliable service levels.
“We want to ensure that our water and wastewater systems remain safe, reliable, and financially sustainable,” Martin said in the report. “The public hearing will provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions and offer feedback on the proposed changes.”
What’s next: The public hearing is set for Monday, Dec. 14, at Salem City Hall chambers. Residents can submit written comments to the city’s public works department before the hearing date. Councilors will consider the feedback received and decide whether to adopt the rate increase for the next fiscal year.
Sources: salemreporter.com, salemreporter.com
