With a unanimous vote at the May 12 meeting, Salem City Council passed a reduction in real estate taxes for 2026 to $1.18 per $100 value, set personal property (vehicle) taxes at $3.40 per $100 value, and machinery taxes at $3.20 per $100.
In the public hearing before the vote, frequent citizen speaker John Breen complimented City Manager Dorsey on preparation of the budget.
“This budget is much easier to follow and I hope this becomes a tradition of lowering the tax rate. Prior years the tax rate was high,” Breen said.
Council also:
- Approved and appropriated the 2025-26 Salem Schools Budget;
- Reviewed the city’s budget document which is scheduled to be adopted by Council on May 27;
- Appropriated the city’s pay scale;
- Accepted and appropriated $3 million, with a portion local match, for work on the Mason Creek Greenway;
- Appropriated funds for four pedestrian crossings from Hanging Rock and Kessler Mill Road;
- Appropriated $1.14 million in carried over Highway Maintenance Funds, to remove sidewalk trip hazards and trim back trees.
In other actions, Council gave final approval to a 70-home subdivision off Mill Lane.
Council approved on first reading at the April 28 meeting. Both times the votes were unanimous.
According to the plan submitted by Boone, the subdivision will be built with one, one-and-half and two story homes on 18.6 acres of the former Dorsey Farm. Prices will be in the $400,000 range, Boone said.
The main entrance will align with Millwood Drive. The acreage at Mill Lane and Penley Boulevard was rezoned from Residential Single Family and Agricultural District.
Boone said cutting of trees, which concerned some citizens, would be necessary for grading and stormwater management.
Council also gave final approval to a rezoning request by the Cliff Family Trust for rezoning 2381 Roanoke Boulevard from Highway Business District with Conditions to HBD.
Under new business, after a public hearing Council gave first approval for a Union Hall on Brand Avenue to be used for a guidance and counseling center. It would be an outpatient mental health facility.
All five Councilmembers were present. The meeting adjourned at 7:45.
