Cherriots payroll tax measure soundly rejected

Salem voters rejected a proposal to expand the Cherriots bus service via a payroll tax, sending it to defeat by a double-digit margin.

Dan Clem, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, expressed gratitude to voters for rejecting the proposed tax.

“We want to thank everyone who voted to protect small businesses… the results validate the position that future support of Cherriots’ needs should come from a different source than a payroll tax,” Clem said.

Allan Pollock, Cherriots general manager, had a different point of view.

“This sucks,” Pollock said.

The ballot measure proposed an employer payroll tax at 0.21 percent of total payroll on businesses in the Salem-Keizer Transit service area. The tax would have raised $5 million in revenue to enact a slew of changes for Cherriots riders:

Restoring the Student Bus Pass Program, which allowed middle and high school students to ride the bus for free during the school year. The program, funded by a state grant, was eliminated by the state in 2011.

Provide bus service on holidays except Thanksgiving, New Year’s and Christmas, and extend bus service operating evening hours.

The re-establishment of weekend bus service.

Cherriots board member Jerry Thompson called the campaign — led by the chamber — “dirty.” Thompson was at a loss for what the next steps would be for transit service in the Salem-Keizer area.

“We’re going to be like this until we come up with the money, I guess,” Thompson said.

Pollock’s thoughts were less with the campaign and more with Cherriots riders.

“My real disappointment is for the people who ride Cherriots. What’s their future? How do we give them hope?” Pollock said.

Election Results

Measure 24-388

Salem Area Mass Transit District. Adopts employer payroll and self-employment tax of 0.21% beginning 2017.

68 of 75 precincts: 90.66%

Yes

14,241 41.29%



No

20,247 58.71%



Measure 24-389

Keizer Fire District. General Obligation Bond for $6,220,000.

62 of 69 precincts: 89.86%

Yes

3,768 63.76%



No

2,142 36.24%



Measure 24-387

City of Mt. Angel. Annexation of 20 acres into the Mt. Angel city limits.

62 of 69 precincts: 89.86%

Yes

238 51.85%



No

221 48.15%



Measure 22-136

Mill City Rural Fire Protection District. Five Year Local Option Levy for Operations.

62 of 69 precincts: 89.86%

Yes

37 77.08%



No

11 22.92%