City Council approves $447.4 million Salem High School bond and May special election
Salem City Council approved a $447.4 million bond for a new high school and scheduled a May 5, 2026 special election to allow voters to override Prop 2½ levy limits for debt service, with Council President Alice Rose Merkl presiding. The council also authorized a $325,000 bond for Fire Department
City Council · Meeting of January 8, 2026
Salem City Council approved a $447.4 million bond for a new high school and scheduled a May 5, 2026 special election to allow voters to override Prop 2½ levy limits for debt service, with Council President Alice Rose Merkl presiding. The council also authorized a $325,000 bond for Fire Department Station 2 repairs, approved $29,540 in supplemental special-election costs, and accepted a $25,000 donation from The Salem Police Working Dog Foundation to support K9 operations including a cruiser with rear air conditioning. Earlier in the day, Mayor Dominick Pangallo and council members conducted a strategic planning retreat discussing constituent services, housing, the FY27 budget, the South Salem Commuter Rail stop, and roadway safety.
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Source: the City Council meeting of January 8, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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