After hours of contentious public comment and debate, Salem City Council voted Oct. 27 in a 6-3 split to accept a $180,000 donation to fund two police officers for the city’s Homeless Services Team for 6 months.
In a letter to Salem leaders, business leaders with the Salem Main Street Association and Salem Area Chamber of Commerce said they were offering the money because they deeply believe in the importance of a safe and vibrant downtown.
They offered the donation to fund two officers from Nov. 24 to April 23, 2026, and said they would reconvene to evaluate the effectiveness of the investment and consider funding an additional 6 months…