Measure 24-514 is a local option levy that will create dedicated funding for Salem parks, libraries, and our senior center. It includes financial accountability measures, including annual audits, to ensure that funds are spent wisely and effectively.

Measure 24-514 will provide dedicated funding for key community services in Salem. Specifically, the measure will support:

• Parks & Recreation: The levy will fund the management and maintenance of more than 90 parks in Salem, including playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and splash fountains. It will also support recreational programming such as youth sports, day camps, and community events, ensuring these amenities continue to serve the community effectively.

• Libraries: Funds from Measure 24-514 will go towards restoring and continuing services at Salem Public Library, including the main library and the West Salem branch. This includes expanding library hours, increasing the availability of books and digital resources, and maintaining educational programs for all age groups.

• Senior Center (Center 50+): The levy will help maintain and expand the range of services offered at Center 50+, which caters to the needs of older adults in the community. This includes educational and fitness programs, social activities, and support services such as the Among Friends adult day respite program.

These investments are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Salem, providing safe, accessible, and enriching environments for all residents.

Passing Measure 24-514 will secure long-term funding for critical community services, ensuring that they continue to benefit all residents. Enhanced and well-funded parks, libraries, and senior services will not only improve the quality of life but also foster a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, this measure will help protect funding for essential public safety services by allocating specific funds to community amenities, thereby avoiding potential budget cuts in critical areas like police and fire.

Measure 24-514 is a local option levy of $0.98 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a typical Salem home with an assessed value of $224,000, this translates to approximately $220 per year. This rate is designed to generate enough revenue to sustain and improve essential community services without placing undue financial burden on property owners.

To ensure transparency and accountability, Measure 24-514 includes several oversight mechanisms. Funds from the levy will be placed in a dedicated account and monitored by an oversight committee. Additionally, regular audits will be conducted to assess and ensure that funds are being spent effectively and only for purposes approved by the voters.

By investing in our parks, libraries, and Center 50+, Measure 24-514 helps to enhance Salem's attractiveness as a place to live, work, and visit — which in turn supports local businesses and generates additional tax revenue that benefits the entire community.

If Measure 24-514 does not pass, Salem could face significant reductions in community services. This would likely result in decreased operating hours and potential closures of facilities such as the main library and West Salem branch, as well as reductions in programming at parks and the senior center, Center 50+. Additionally, without the dedicated funding provided by Measure 24-514, the city may need to reallocate funds from essential services like police and fire departments to cover the shortfall in community service funding. This reallocation could impact the effectiveness and responsiveness of Salem’s public safety services, ultimately affecting the overall safety and quality of life in the community.