MEASURE NO. 24-104

Question: Should the City of Salem impose a streetscape utility fee to pay for sidewalk and other right-of-way improvements?

Summary: Ordinance No. 62-2002 establishes a “streetscape utility fee” for the City of Salem. The fee would be charged to each owner or occupant of a building connected to the City’s water and sewer system, and would be included on water and sewer billings. The fee would be deposited in a special fund, which could be spent only for the following purposes: sidewalk construction, repair and maintenance; care of trees, shrubs and other plants in rights-of-way; streetlight purchase, installation, repair, operation and maintenance; construction and maintenance of pedestrian safety devices such as medians, crosswalks, school warning flashers; installation and maintenance of benches, planters and garbage receptacles in rights-of-way; and certain administrative costs related to these activities. The categories of users, and the amount to be charged users in each category would be established by resolution of the city council. The fee would not be charged when a building is vacant and no longer connected to the water and sewer systems.
A “yes” vote will impose this fee. A “no” vote will not impose
the fee.