The Budget Committee consists of nine City Council representatives, and nine citizen members. Throughout the meetings, numerous community representatives gave public testimony. In the final Budget Committee meeting on May 12, Councilor Bruce Rogers of Ward 6 moved that the $50,000 social services reduction be reinstated.

The motion was passed unanimously. In the same meeting, Councilor Chuck Bennett of Ward 1 put forth a motion that would allow for $100,000 for the Salem Public Library's bookmobile, $20,000 for Salem Public Library computer lab hours, $2,500 for the Parade of Lights, $10,000 for 4th of July, $5,000 for a book centered on Salem, and $4,000 for traffic-calming in West Salem. 

Councilor Bennett, Councilor Dan Clem of Ward 8, and Mayor Janet Taylor spoke in support of the motion. Councilor Brent DeHart, of Ward 7, spoke in opposition stating, “With this motion we’re digging the hole bigger at the end of next year. To bail them out for a program that, frankly, we’re going to have to cut a year from now doesn’t seem prudent.” Councilor DeHart was the only opposition vote on the motion. With the majority agreeing, the motion passed. 

With the conclusion of the Budget Committee meetings for fiscal year 2008-09, a new recommended budget is sent to City Council for final approval. City Council will hold a public hearing on the Budget Committee’s recommended budget on June 9 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The Council’s budgetary decisions will be implemented on July 1, which marks the beginning of the City’s fiscal year.