Salem City Council denies public vote on worker payroll tax

Despite overwhelming opposition, councilors pass tax with 5-4 vote after contentious debate

In the face of near unanimous opposition expressed during public comment, Salem City Council passed a new tax shouldered entirely by the paychecks of people who work in Salem.

Carried with a 5-4 vote, four City Councilors and Salem Mayor Chris Hoy supported passing the tax without a public vote despite hours of public testimony (45 people signed up to sp…