The Salem Town Council held a brief regular meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026. Key topics included recycling, traffic improvements, Depot Park, property tax exemptions, and the default budget for 2027.
Recycling at the Transfer Station: Video timestamp: 2:49
Several residents spoke about recycling at the Transfer Station. Chairman Robert Bryant clarified that no final decision has been made to discontinue recycling. The Town is currently reviewing bids for solid waste and recycling services before determining how to proceed.
Pelham Road Traffic Signal Improvements: Video timestamp: 12:12
The Council approved $28,432 in traffic impact fees to repair the traffic signal at Pelham Road and Keewaydin Drive. The current vehicle detection equipment has failed, causing the signal to operate on a fixed timing cycle.
Caboose Planned for Depot Park: Video timestamp: 18:03
The Council reviewed plans to place a historic caboose at Depot Park. The Friends of the Rail Trail have identified a caboose for the site, and the Town will continue working through required approvals and site preparation before formal acceptance.
Property Tax Exemption Adjustments: Video timestamp: 27:16
The Council approved increases to the elderly, blind, and disabled property tax exemption amounts following the Town wide revaluation. The changes are intended to help eligible property owners receive roughly the same amount of tax relief as previously approved. If an applicant qualifies, the exemption amount is deducted from the assessed value of the home before the tax rate is applied. The updated elderly exemption amounts are $161,000 for ages 65 to 74, $241,000 for ages 75 to 79, and $330,000 for ages 80 and older. The blind exemption increased to $174,000, and the disabled exemption increased to $161,000.
2027 Default Budget: Video timestamp: 31:49
Finance Director Nicole McGee presented the draft 2027 default budget, totaling $69,100,162 across the General, Sewer, and Water funds. The default budget is $4,412,594 lower than the Town Manager’s proposed 2027 Operating Budget.
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