Do I need to come to City Hall to establish service?

Yes.  There is an application form that needs your original signature, as well as your social security number and driver's license number.

Utility Services Privacy Policy:

In an effort to protect the privacy of its utility customers, the City of Salem will not give out utility account information to anyone who is not listed on an account as an account holder.  

Additionally, all adults living in a residence are required to be listed on the account as account holders. Not only does this ensure that all adult users share responsibility for the services and have access to account information, it enables both spouses (or roommates) to establish a credit history with the City of Salem. If you currently have a utility account with the City of Salem with only one spouse or roommate listed as the account holder, or your account is in the name of a deceased spouse, please take the steps necessary to ensure that all adults living in the home are listed as account holders. (The adult being added to the account must bring his/her photo ID and last four digits of his/her social security number to City Hall for his/her signature to be added to the application form).  If you are a senior or single adult and would like to authorize your adult children or other family members to have access to your account information, please provide the Utility Department with a notarized note authorizing your family member(s) to access your account information.