About Salem Indiana
Salem is located in scenic Southern Indiana just 35 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky and less than 100 miles south of Indianapolis, Indiana. Salem is a great place to live and make a living. We have high achieving public schools, and a wide variety of community activities. Salem also has a strong and diverse economic base. If you're a visitor to Salem, we hope you will take note of our many unique and historic destinations. As a city, Salem has retained much of its small town flavor, a flavor that is enhanced by the city’s tree-lined streets, stately old homes and a friendly atmosphere that has been nurtured and handed down through the generations.
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The Clerk-Treasurer's office offers these additional services:
- Maintains and Provides Copies of Ordinances, Resolutions, Budgets, Meeting Agendas, Financial Reports and other items
- Sells Boat Permits for Lake Salinda and John Hay
- Rent Dump Trucks to City Residents
- Sell Animal Licenses
About Sally Hattabaugh - City of Salem Clerk-Treasurer:
Career History:
- Retired Bank Branch Manager after 44 years with the same bank.
- Graduate of Salem High School and graduate of Spencerian College in Professional Accounting and Business Administration.
Community Involvement:
- Treasurer of the First Baptist Church of Salem
- Treasurer of the Church Capital Campaign
- Member of Church Finance Committee and on Church Council
- Former Treasurer of SOAR! And former Board Member of Soar!
- Former Board member of the Washington County Community Foundation
- Past Salem Rotary Club member and first female president (twice)
Personal Info:
- Married since 1966 with 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren
Contact Clerk/Treasurers' Office
Clerk/Treasurer
Sally Hattabaugh
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Phone / Fax:
Phone: 812-883-4264
Fax: 812-883-3634
Office Location:
City of Salem Clerk-Treasurer's Office
201 E. Market Street Suite #101
Salem, IN 47167
Office Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
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Last Updated April 2025
Salem City Council:
The City of Salem has a five-member City Council that is elected every four years. The City Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30pm in Salem City Hall.
- Danny R. Libka - 1st District Ph# 812-883-2054
- Dylan Moore - 2nd District Ph#812-620-7778
- Steve Crane - 3rd District Ph# 812-620-5491
- Randy Lee - 4th District Ph# 812-620-7085
- Roger Pennington, At Large Ph#812-620-8360
Board of Works & Public Safety:
Members are appointed for a four year term by the Mayor at the beginning of each term of office. This board deals with police, fire, water and sewer. The Board of Works & Public Safety meets the second Monday of each month at 5:00pm in Salem City Hall.
- Mayor, Justin T. Green, Ph# 812-883-4265
- Danny R. Libka, Ph# 812-883-2054
- Warren N. Jones, Ph# 812-883-2549
Salem Plan Commission:
The Salem Plan Commission meets the 4th Monday at 7:00pm (except December)
Member - Term Expiration - Appointing Authority
- Danny R. Libka - 1/01/2024, Salem City Council
- Greg Zink - 1-01-2026 - Washington County Commissioners
- Telisha Day - 1-01-2029 - Washington County Commissioners
- Charles Williams - 1-01-2024 - Salem City Council
- Maurita S. Jones - 1-01-2025 - Salem Mayor
- TBA - 1-01-2027 - Salem Mayor
- J. Anthony Scifres - 1/01/2024 - Salem City Council
- Tom Jacobs - 1-01-2024 - Salem Mayor
- Scott Nale - 1-01-2027 - Salem Mayor
Salem Redevelopment Commission:
Member - Term Expiration - Appointing Authority
- Dylan Moore - 1-1-2026 - Salem Mayor
- Ronnie Voyles - 1-1-2026 - Salem Mayor
- Warren N. Jones - 1-1-2026 - Salem Mayor
- Ricky E. Richardson - 1-1-2026 - City Council
- J. Anthony Scifres - 1-1-2026 - City Council
Salem Economic Development Commission:
Member - Term Expiration - Appointing Authority
- Norman Terrrell - 1-1-2025 - Salem Mayor
- Jody Smedley - 2-1-2025 - Salem Council
- Jonathan Spaulding - 1-1-2023 - County Council Nominee / Mayor Appointed
- Troy Merry - 1-1-2024 - Salem Mayor
- Laurie Jackson - 1-1-2024 - Salem Mayor
Urban Enterprise Association Board Appointments (12 Member Board)
- Mayor Appointees - Chuck Williams
- Mayor Appointees - Troy Merry (Salem Economic Development Commission)
- Mayor Appointees - Adam J. Kelly (Zone Resident)
- Mayor Appointees - Sheri Jacobs (Business Representative in Zone)
- Mayor Appointees - Steven C. Miller (Business Representative in Zone)
- Mayor Appointees - Ronnie Voyles (Representative of Construction Trade Unions)
- City Council Appointees - Danny Libka (Council Member)
- City Council Appointees - Justin Green (Zone Business Representative)
- City Council Appointees - Warren N. Jones (Resident of Proposed Zone - Democrat)
- City Council Appointees - Ricky E. Richardson (Resident of Proposed Zone - Republican)
Board of Zoning Appeals Board Members:
The Board of Zoning Appeals meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00pm.
Member - Term Expiration - Appointing Authority
- Laurie Jackson 1-01-2027 - Salem Mayor
- Greg Zink, 1/01/2028, Salem Mayor
- James Moore 1-01-2029 - Salem City Council
- Charles Williams 1-01-2026 - Plan Commission
- J. Anthony Scifres 1-01-2026 - Mayor (SPC)
Tree Board Members:
The Tree Board meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 4:00 pm in Salem City Hall.
- Ronnie Voyles
- Justin T. Green
- Tom Jacobs
- Keenan Graves
- Terri Graves
City of Salem Parks & Rec Board:
The Parks and Rec Board meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 4:00 pm in Salem City Hall.
- Dee Dee Zink, Park Board
- Saydi Scifres, Park Board
- Jonathan Spaulding, Park Board
- Brandi Bierly, Park Board
Solid Waste Board:
The Solid Waste Board meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 9:00am in the Courthouse.
Volunteer Firemen's Meeting:
The Volunteer Firemen's Meeting meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at Salem Fire Department.
Washington County Service Providers:
The Washington County Service Providers meets the 1st Tuesday at noon in the Washington County Government Building.
Board of Aviation:
BOAC meets on the third Monday of each month, Executive Session at 3:30 p.m. and Regular Meeting at 4:00 p.m at the Salem Airport.
- Adam D. Kelly - Term Expires 1/1/2028
- Tom Jacobs - Term Expires 1/1/2029
- Michael Bryant - Term Expires 1/1/2026
- Angela Mead - Term Expires 1/1/2026
- Erin Woodward-Sparkman - Term Expires 1/1/2029
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The City of Salem has a five-member City Council that is elected every four years. The City Council meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm in Salem City Hall. Click here to view information on the Salem Indiana voting precincts.
- Danny R. Libka - 1st District Ph# 812-883-2054
- Dylan Moore - 2nd District Ph# 812-620-7778
- Steve Crane - 3rd District Ph# 812-620-5491
- Randy Lee - 4th District Ph# 812-844-5494
- Roger Pennington - At Large Ph# 812-620-8360
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Dale Jonas holds the position of Sexton of Crown Hill Cemetery. His duties include, but are not limited to, digging of graves, selling grave sites and documenting all burials. He is also in charge of the mowing, upkeep of equipment and snow removal in winter.
Crown Hill Cemetery:
Crown Hill Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Washington County. Crown Hill was established in 1824. Crown Hill Cemetery is located on the southwest edge of the City of Salem.
In its early existence, burials originally located in front of the DePauw Home, where DePauw Park is now located, were transferred to the present site. Other burials from the old Masonic Cemetery, which was located near the railroad crossing on High St., were also transferred to the current site.
In 1883, the first Addition was made at the south end of the cemetery. Nine more Additions have since been annexed to the cemetery property. Crown Hill Cemetery presently occupies over 90 acres which provide the necessary area for future cemetery expantion and development.
Like all cemeteries, Crown Hill's many monuments and markers reflect the history of this historic community. As an historical aside, many of the stone markers in the original section reflect lives that were lost during the Cholera epidemic of 1833. This part of the cemetery also contains many beautifully engraved tombstones made of Hindostan whetstone.
The City is pleased to be able to provide information that symbolizes durability, devotion, and honor to those who represent much of its heritage.
Please use Internet Explorer when viewing the Crown Hill Burial Records. You may experience technical issues with Chrome and Firefox.
Crown Hill Cemetery Online Burial Records
Saint Patrick's Catholic Cemetery:
Saint Patrick's Catholic Cemetery was established in 1857, is also located adjacent to the northeast corner of the cemetery property.
Additional information:
The Genealogical Library located at the Steven's Museum is home to more than 6000 articles, books, periodicals, magazines, and pictures and is a wonderful resource for genalogical research.
Contact Salem Cemetery Services
Cemetery Sexton
Dale Jonas, Cemetery Sexton
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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday - 7:00am - 4:00pm
Phone
Office Location
Salem Cemetery Services
Salem, IN 47167
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The City of Salem Office of Building & Safety is responsible for issuing City of Salem Building Permits as well as building inspections. Please review the information provided below and if you have questions please contact our office.
When do I need a Building Permit?
- New Residential Structures (single or multi family)
- Residential Additions and Remodels
- Porches, Sunrooms, Patios and Decks
- Garages and Carports
- Storage/Utility Buildings (any size or portability)
- Roofing (if any structural changes are made)
- Electric Service Changes
- Window or Door Replacement (if door or window size is changed)
- Mobile Home, Modular Home or Manufactured Home Placement
- Swimming Pools
- Tents and Awnings (commercial)
- New Commercial and/or Industrial Structures
- Commercial and/or Industrial Structure Remodels
- Demolition of Structures
- Commercial Parking Garages
- Commercial Communication Towers
- Temporary Permit for Construction Site Trailer, Produce Stands, Tropical Ice Stands, etc
- Educational, Medical, Institutional and Church Structures
- Civic Organization Structures
- Signs (other than, name/identification of two square feet or less, temporary business sign not maintained more than 10 days, real estate for sale signs not to exceed six square feet in area, signs directing or guiding traffic and parking on private property but bearing no advertising matter, directional or information signs of a public or quasi-public nature erected and maintained by an official or civic body.
- Hotels and Motels
The above list is not inclusive as other permits may be required. This can only be determined by contacting the Building, Planning & Zoning Department.
Why do I need a building permit?
The purpose of a building permit is to allow the Building Inspector to oversee construction to make sure that the minimum construction standards are provided. These standards safeguard life and property. The City’s building and zoning codes have been carefully enacted to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of you and your property. The City of Salem, Indiana has adopted and enforces the following building codes and ordinances:
- City of Salem Land Usage Code
- Indiana Building Codes
- International Building Codes
- International Residential Codes
- International Mechanical Codes
- International Plumbing Codes (as amended by the State of Indiana)
- International Property Maintenance Code
- National Electric Code
- National Fire Protection Code
- Indiana Administrative Code 675
These codes may be reviewed in the City of Salem Building, Planning & Zoning Department during normal working hours. The department also reviews planning and zoning applications for other matters to ensure that the City continues to be a safe and beautiful area in which to live, work and play.
What is required to get my building permit?
When you contact the Building Department, the first question you will be asked is, “What is the location of your project?” This will let us know if you are within the City of Salem’s planning and zoning jurisdiction. It is possible to have a Salem address, but actually be in another planning jurisdiction such as Washington County. You will also be asked what your project is going to be. Knowing the type of the project that you are doing will guide the department in helping you obtain the correct permit(s). There are additional requirements to obtain a permit which are detailed in full on our “Before You Apply Guide”.
Before You Apply Guide (pdf)
You also must complete a project application form. Each section on the form, that pertains to your project, must be completed in full. Bring the completed application along with documentation required from the “Before You Apply Guide” into our office to obtain permit.
How to apply for a building permit?
The City of Salem Building and Development Department now has an online application. Please click the button below to submit an application.
Most residential permits can be obtained at the same time you provide the necessary information, as noted above. Commercial or industrial permits require a construction design release form the State of Indiana and may take a longer period of time in which to obtain the local permit. Check with our department in order to determine the time required.
Can I draw the plans myself?
Yes. The City of Salem does accept hand drawings, provided they include all information needed for your permit review.
Do I or my contractor(s) need to have a license to do the work on my project?
No. At this time the City of Salem does not provide nor require licensing. The only exception to this is plumbers. They are required to be bonded and licensed by the State of Indiana. If your project includes plumbing you will be required to hire a licensed plumber. You can check the Indiana web site to obtain plumbers who are licensed in or near your area. That web site is: https://mylicense.in.gov/eVerification
Who is responsible for obtaining the permit for my project?
The permit may be obtained by the project or property owner, contractor, architect, engineer or a permitting company. However, the project or property owner shall be responsible for making sure all inspections are requested and all conditions are met. A required inspection sheet is given for all permits issued from this department and is also copied and made a part of the notarized permit retained in this office.
What’s the cost of a permit?
What about getting inspections?
An inspection at each and every required phase of construction must be requested in a timely manner, at least 24 hours in advance, to make certain the work conforms to the applicable building codes, the obtained permit and the approved plans. Failure to make required notification for inspection at each phase of construction, as defined upon the Required Inspections Sheet given to you during the permit process, may be cause for removal of performed work, reinstallation of performed work or Stop Work orders being issued. The Building Commissioner has the power to assess a reinspection fee of $15 for each additional inspection. The Building Commissioner also has the power to assess fines for violations, failure or refusal of all codes in connection with our Land Usage Ordinances. The violator may be fined for not less than $15, nor more than $500 for each day the violation occurs. Each day constitutes a separate offense.
Required Inpections Sheet (pdf)
Failure to aquire the proper inspections may result in one or all of the following:
Re-inspection fee of $15.00 for each additional inspection accessed by the Building Inspector. A fine of not less than $15.00, nor more than $500.00 for failure to comply with provisions set out in Salem’s Building Code. Each day constitutes a separate offense. Failure of the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, and notation of such on Inspection Sheet.
Can I get a Certificate of Occupancy?
Final inspection determining the code compliance is a valuable and necessary part of the construction process. Once code compliance is determined, the Building Commission may issue a Certificate of Occupancy which establishes that your project is completed and has met all building codes associated with your project. Failure to have all inspections, as required, eliminates you from the privilege of obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy.
Contact the Office of Building & Safety
Department Superintendent
Ronnie Voyles
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Office Phone:
Office Location:
Office of Building & Safety
201 E. Market Street Suite#104
Salem, IN 47167
General Information:
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City of Salem Animal Control works closely with area residents, area veterinarians, city and county government officials and the Humane Society of Washington County.
Many of the department's regular duties include:
- Maintain public safety by providing control of animals-at-large
- Protect animal welfare by investigating complaints from citizens
- Accepting homeless stray animals
- House and care for stray and surrendered animals from all of Washington County
- House animals for Washington County Health Department for quarantine
Adoption fees
Adoption fees include rabies shot and the normal cost of spay or neuter. Prices as follows: dog $100, cat $50. RTO (return to owner) $10 per day board fee and proof of rabies shot or $10 plus veterinarian fees.
Microchipping
Get your dog home safely, have it microchipped at the shelter. $15.00 for local registration and $30.00 for national registration. Cremation services are also available at the shelter. Call 883-3673 for details.
How to dispatch the Animal Control Officer to collect a stray animal.
Salem Residents
(Call Salem Police Dept.)
Ph#812-883-5100
Outside Salem City Limits
(Call Washington County Police Dept.)
Ph#812-883-5999
Dumping animals anywhere is illegal including at Salem Animal Shelter
Contact Salem Animal Control
Animal Control Officer
David Colglazier
Phone:
Facility Location:
Salem Animal Control
204 Joseph Street
Salem, IN 47167
Animal Control Hours:
- Closed Mondays
- Tuesday through Friday 12:30pm - 3:30pm
- Saturday 11:00am to 2:00pm
- Closed Sundays
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Salem Municipal Airport Renovation
The Salem Municipal Airport is an important factor in the long range development plans for the City of Salem.
The City of Salem Airport has embarked on a 9-Phase development and renovation plan that will receive Federal matching funds to support and complete the project. Central to the development plan is to increase the current runway length from 2,738 feet to 4,000 feet.
The additional runway length will allow for light to medium sized aircraft and specifically corporate aircraft to land at the City of Salem Airport. The enhanced airport will be a key factor in facilitating corporate and industrial relocation to the Salem area. The enhanced airport will also allow the City of Salem to take advantage of the overcrowding at the Metropolitan Louisville area airports by providing an alternative to corporate air traffic.
City of Salem 9 Phase Development Overview:
- Fiscal Year 2005: Acquire parcels 8 & 9
- Fiscal Year 2006: Perform grading and install drainage items for proposed terminal area site development.
- Fiscal Year 2007: Install security fencing, Pave access taxiways, parking apron, entrance road, and parking lot. Install associated electrical items, construct terminal bldg, a 10 unit T-hangar, electrical vault, and fuel facility.
- Fiscal Year 2008: Acquire parcels 10,11,and 12 & easements 13-18.
- Fiscal Year 2009: Perform grading and install drainage items for proposed temporary runway (Future taaxiway), Construct cul-de-sac on Drive-in Theater Rd., various clearing of land and tree grubbing.
- Fiscal Year 2010: Paving of 50' wide temporary runway (Future taxiway) and install associated electrical items.
- Fiscal Year 2011: Perform grading and install drainage items for proposed permanent runway. Abandoned runway pavement to be removed(approx 1/3 of present runway).
- Fiscal Year 2012: Pave permanent runway and install electrical items: PAPI lights, REILS Lights, automated weather observation system(AWOS), remove abandoned runway pavement(remainder of present runway), Possible demolition of existing terminal bldg/maintenance hangar etc.