How Cherriots got its plan to expand services with proposed payroll tax

Leaders of Salem’s transit agency for years crafted plans to expand local bus service as the region’s population grew, even as bus ridership is about flat from a decade ago.

Those efforts drove the Salem Area Mass Transit District’s board to consider imposing a tax on businesses which has drawn significant pushback from business groups, the Keizer City Council and others.

Cherriots can impose a tax without a public vote under a state law passed in 2018 with Salem Area Chamber of Commerce backing . But after more recently seeking legal counsel, agency leaders said the tax could go to the public for a vote. The board considered that idea in August and is expected to discuss in November whether to put the tax on the ballot.

Board member Sara Duncan said she “deeply believe(s) in democrac