SALEM — City council took the first step in presenting Salem voters with the question of renewing the Salem Parks Department’s 1-mill recreational levy in its meeting Tuesday.

Council approved two resolutions declaring it necessary to present the renewal to voters in Columbiana and Mahoning counties in the upcoming general election on Nov. 3. Council will still need to approve another resolution to actually place the renewal on the ballot in an upcoming meeting.

Last approved by voters in 2022, the recreational levy has a period of five years and if renewed by voters would begin with tax year 2027 to be collected in 2028. The levy is estimated to generate $166,794 for the department annually. As a renewal of an existing tax, it will not cost residents any more than they’re already paying.

The recreational levy is one of two levies which wholly fund the parks department, as the department does not receive direct funding from the city’s general fund as a semi-autonomous entity. The other levy is a 1 mill operational levy last renewed by voters in May 2025, which generates approximately $224,000 for the department annually.

The city council will meet next at 7 p.m. on July 21.