Council approves $2.1M in operating budgets unanimously
The City Council Committee on Administration and Finance unanimously approved operating budgets totaling $2.1 million for six city departments. The Collector's office achieved 98 percent real estate tax collection rates through a new collections firm that recovered more than $1 million and returned
City Council · Meeting of June 9, 2026
SALEM — The City Council Committee on Administration and Finance unanimously approved operating budgets totaling $2.1 million for six city departments. The Collector's office achieved 98 percent real estate tax collection rates through a new collections firm that recovered more than $1 million and returned 32 properties to active tax rolls. Municipal insurance costs increased 25 percent due to market trends and higher asset values.
Finance Director James LeBlanc committed to improving the readability and accuracy of future budget books, while the city maintains an A+ bond rating and continues work on ARPA projects with approximately $1 million remaining to be spent before December 31, 2026. ===HEADLINES=== 1. Council approves $2.1M in operating budgets unanimously 2. Salem maintains A+ rating amid 25 percent insurance cost jump 3.
Tax collection firm recovers $1M, returns 32 properties 4. Finance director commits to clearer, more accurate budget books 5. ARPA deadline looms with $1M remaining before year-end
In the full story:
- The complete report — 369 words
Source: the City Council meeting of June 9, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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