Salem boasts budget increase

SALEM — Unlike many Utah towns and cities, the 2010 fiscal-year budget in this hamlet tucked in the foothills is going up.

The proposed general-fund budget for the coming year is $3.7 million, up $97,000 from a year ago. A public hearing to discuss the budget is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, at 30 W. 100 South. The council budget is scheduled for adoption June 17.

"A big chunk (of the increase) is coming from the recreation department," city recorder Jeff Nielsen said. "The other chunk is the bond payment for the city center and library."

In August, the city hired new recreation director Matt Marzial, who is creating new recreation activities, including adult flag football, basketball and volleyball.

"He brings the revenue in to cover the expenses," Nielsen said.

Last year, the City Council passed a $3.5 million sales-tax bond, with the payment this year about $278,000, which comes from the nearly $700,000 anticipated in sales-tax revenue. The city also refinanced another sales-tax bond for a ball field taken out in 2000.

The city isn't increasing property tax or anticipating any layoffs, Nielsen said. However, employees won't be getting merit-pay or cost-of-living increases. City services aren't expected to change.

— Rodger L. Hardy