New Salem Police Chief Susan Miller was sworn into office Monday night by Mayor Nick Farley.

Farley highlighted the historical importance of the event.

“Five years ago today, we swore in our first female mayor in the city of Salem, and five years later we will swear in our first police chief. “It is historic for Salem and could not be more deserved for a person who has worked hard and diligently for the last twenty years.”

Miller is now in her 29th year with the police department, starting as a patrolman and working her way up to deputy chief before being named chief. She recalled her childhood as she made comments to those gathered in the council chamber.

“My 10-year-old self, who used to dress up in plastic cowboy belts and Barbie with the head off as a weapon, is very excited today,” Miller said, laughing. “I thank you all for your support. I see many faces that have been here and helped guide and direct me. “This is your success as much as mine, and I appreciate it all.”

After the meeting, Miller said his top priority was filling the three vacancies in the department. They include his replacement as deputy chief and two vacant patrol officer positions. Miller hopes to have all positions filled by the end of the year.

The council, with little discussion, gave final approval to the city’s tax levy for next year’s property tax bills. It is 3.99 percent higher than last year’s tax, but will likely be cut because the maximum increase allowed this year under the tax caps is 3.4 percent.

Mayor Farley appointed SCHS teacher Ivy Balla to a vacancy at the Salem Historical Society. The board also agreed to sell surplus telephones from the old telephone system recently out of service.

The board agreed to keep the leftover phones from its old phone system and will sell them online.

City Manager Annette Sola says the city will face more expensive repairs to the Carlyle Lake water line. A pump has broken down. The city recently replaced an engine. Public Works Director Travis Sanders says the line is still running without the pump, but it likely won’t be needed for a while due to heavy rain on Monday.