Salem begins year with balanced budget

In the general budget for the town of Salem, income and expenses are balanced—-at the figure of $549 thousand dollars. Salem’s new government year started today, after the budget was submitted for action during a special council meeting last night. The largest item of anticipated income during the next 12 months is $200 thousand, from a fire contract with Oconee County. Salem’s largest expense item will be $243 thousand in pay and benefits. It also plans to put up nearly $115 thousand dollars in the form of a supplement to park and recreation capital projects that are being included in this November’s 1-cent sales tax referendum.