Salina – Week of April 15, 2025
Data center proposal; Downtown revitalization project approved; Insurance costs surge; Splash pad project advances; USD 305 non-resident enrollment plan
GET THE CITIZEN JOURNAL APP - FREE!
Contact: greg@loql.ai
Obituaries
Wall Street Versus Main Street
Saline County Commission Received Unsolicited Data Center Proposal
Downtown Salina Revitalization Projects Approved by City Commission
City Faces 25% Insurance Premium Hike and Explores Cost-Saving Options
Jerry Ivey Memorial Park Splash Pad Project Moves Forward with 4-1 Vote
Board of Education Approves Non-Resident Enrollment Plan for Salina Public Schools
Saline County Commission Received Unsolicited Data Center Proposal
Saline County officials recently received an unexpected offer to develop a data center on county‐owned land at Simpson and McReynolds, as noted at Tuesday’s Commission meeting (4/8/25). County Administrator Philip Smith‐Hanes presented the unsolicited proposal from an out‐of‐state firm that identified the land only by parcel numbers. While the area’s electrical infrastructure—a nearby substation with multiple power lines—could be attractive for data center use, commissioners highlighted serious drawbacks. The rural location lacks water and sewer service, and only a gravel road provides access, which would pose traffic and infrastructure challenges. The Commission did not signal strong interest in pursuing the idea further, and specific details about the data center’s size or scope remain unclear.
Source: Saline County
Downtown Salina Revitalization Projects Approved by City Commission
The Salina City Commission unanimously approved plans for a $1.4 million shade structure at Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street and a $267,000 upgrade to The Temple parking lot during Monday's meeting (4/14/25). The shade structure, consistent with the Salina 2020 plan, will provide cover for the Farmers Market, performers at City Lights stage, and event attendees while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing downtown presence. Guy Walker of Salina 2020 noted the structure's durable steel and metal roof design will withstand Kansas weather conditions for years to come. Several community members spoke in support of the projects, emphasizing how the improvements would drive foot traffic to downtown businesses. The Temple Executive Director Mary Landes highlighted the parking lot's frequent public use despite being privately owned, making it a worthwhile investment. "Last year was the first year of the market. We opened with 10 vendors and closed with 30 vendors. It generated approximately $166,000 in sales," said Leslie Bishop, Executive Director of Salina Downtown, underscoring the economic impact of these public spaces.
Source: City of Salina
City Faces 25% Insurance Premium Hike and Explores Cost-Saving Options
The Salina City Commission received sobering news during Monday's study session (4/14/25) as insurance experts warned of a potential 25% increase in property and casualty insurance premiums when policies expire in June. Mark Skidmore of Iron Insurance Partners reported that Travelers Insurance views the city's five-year loss ratio as unprofitable, with auto physical damage claims being particularly problematic due to recent hail storms. "We had almost $900,000 worth of auto claims in a year," Skidmore told commissioners. Additionally, Travelers plans to increase the catastrophic deductible for the city's fleet from $75,000 to $750,000. Commissioner Bill Longbine suggested establishing a separate reserve fund to protect against such high deductibles, while city Risk Manager Nancy Schuessler confirmed that inspections of the city's levee system are being expedited to prevent coverage exclusion. Despite these challenges, consultants are exploring alternative markets and pooling concepts to mitigate increases, with final renewal numbers expected by June 24th.
Source: City of Salina
Jerry Ivey Memorial Park Splash Pad Project Moves Forward with 4-1 Vote
The Salina City Commission voted 4-1 on Monday (4/14/25) to rebid the Jerry Ivey Memorial Park splash pad project, opting for a more elaborate design that could cost between $950,000 and $1.2 million instead of a simpler replacement estimated at $650,000-$750,000. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond presented various comparable splash pad projects from other communities before commissioners decided to proceed with rebidding the recently designed water playground, including the water wall feature and law enforcement memorial as add alternates to provide flexibility based on final costs. The decision comes after residents have gone without the amenity for two summers, following the demolition of the original splash pad due to significant underground plumbing damage. Commissioner Hoppock cast the lone dissenting vote, appearing to favor a more straightforward replacement similar to the Lions Park splash pad in Lawrence, KS, which would prioritize a functional facility over additional features. City officials anticipate the new splash pad will be completed in time for the 2026 summer season and will work to attract more bidders for increased competition compared to the single bid received earlier this year.
Source: City of Salina
Board of Education Approves Non-Resident Enrollment Plan for Salina Public Schools
The Salina Public Schools USD 305 Board of Education unanimously approved projected enrollment numbers and open seats available to non-resident students during their regular meeting on April 8, 2025. Shanna Rector, a district administrator, presented the details after completing the internal residential enrollment process where five elementary students and two high school students were successfully placed in their requested buildings. The non-resident enrollment application process, which opened January 1 to meet state requirements, will continue accepting applications until June 15, with notifications to families by July 15. Available seats will be posted on the district website May 1. In making her recommendation, Rector emphasized the importance of clear communication with families throughout the process, noting that some applicants had to be redirected when their first-choice schools had no available capacity.
Source: USD 305
How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe to City-Specific Newsletters
Citizen Journal is growing. To subscribe only to your city's newsletter:
- Visit adastraperaspera.us.
- Click Sign-in (top-right corner) or Account if already logged in.
- On mobile, tap the menu icon (two lines, top-right corner).
- After signing in, click Manage under Emails.
- Select the newsletters you want to receive.
We'll soon launch city-specific notifications in the app. More Kansas cities are coming in 2025—email greg@loql.ai to suggest your city or become a paid content contributor.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET THE SALINA CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sponsors (click me!)
