Salina – Week of March 16, 2025
Cozy Inn mural battle; Saline County budget woes; more Saline County updates; City council meeting; USD 305 BOE meets
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City Spends Over Half Million on Cozy Inn Mural Legal Battle as Residents Express Frustration
Saline County Faces Budget Shortfalls for 2026, Tough Choices Ahead
Saline County Commission Explores Local Vendor Policy Changes, Approves Road Paint Contracts
Salina City Commission Advances Land Sale, City Manager Search, and Fire Station Project
Salina USD 305 Board Honors Teachers, Advances Learning Initiatives
1. City Spends Over Half Million on Cozy Inn Mural Legal Battle as Residents Express Frustration
"Whether the city wins or loses this lawsuit, I believe you've already lost," declared one resident during Monday's Salina City Commission meeting, capturing the sentiment of multiple citizens who voiced concerns about the ongoing legal dispute with the Cozy Inn. The city has spent $539k in legal fees fighting the 103-year-old establishment over artwork painted on the building's exterior, according to figures shared by Interim City Manager Jacob Wood. The dispute centers on whether the painting constitutes a mural or a sign that violates zoning requirements.
Citizens addressing the commission during the public forum expressed dismay at the mounting legal expenses, with one resident comparing the sum to recent budget constraints faced by other city projects such as Fire Station #4. "I'm concerned that when things come up, like the mural did, and not so much that it came up, but really kind of the way we've handled it," stated another resident, questioning the city's approach to the dispute. Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz acknowledged the frustration but noted that commission policy prevents officials from commenting on pending litigation. The case, which began after artwork was commissioned in October 2023, remains unresolved with the case going to trial this fall.
Editors note: I’m from McPherson and don’t have a dog in this fight, but I do love Cozy Inn burgers
Source: City of Salina, Salina Post
2. Saline County Faces Budget Shortfalls for 2026, Tough Choices Ahead
Saline County officials are facing potential budget challenges for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, according to discussions at Tuesday's County Commission meeting. County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes presented financial projections showing all seven tax-supported funds could fall into deficit without intervention. With preliminary property valuation growth estimated at 3.5% and anticipated health insurance cost increases of nearly 5%, commissioners will need to balance revenue adjustments against expenditure constraints in the coming months. The county's largest expenses—employee costs and road maintenance—will be primary focus areas, with Smith noting that the Road and Bridge Department may need to continue drawing on special equipment funds or reduce annual construction miles. Commissioners will gather additional input through employee compensation discussions and a special Road and Bridge study session next week, with Smith emphasizing that budget planning requires difficult choices as "wants and needs always tend to grow faster than available resources."
Source: Saline County
3. Saline County Commission Explores Local Vendor Policy Changes, Approves Road Paint Contracts
The Saline County Commission addressed several administrative matters during their Tuesday meeting, including potential revisions to the county's local purchasing preference policy. The current policy allows local vendors whose bids are within 1% of the lowest bid to match that price, but commissioners discussed increasing this threshold after a survey of other jurisdictions revealed most offer significantly higher preferences—with many at 5% and a few as high as 10%. Commissioners reached consensus to explore a tiered approach that would apply different percentage preferences based on purchase amounts, balancing support for local businesses with taxpayer interests. In other business, County Administrator Philip Smith reported that all five commission districts remain within the required 10% population threshold based on building permit data and population projections, eliminating the need for redistricting until the next scheduled review in 2028. The commission also unanimously approved a $132k bid for road marking supplies, awarding contracts to Diamond Vogel for yellow and white traffic paint ($11.34 per gallon) and Jonas Enterprises for reflective glass beads ($0.42 per pound), which will maintain safety lines on 175 miles of county asphalt roads, with Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fisher explaining that all yellow center lines and approximately 75% of white edge lines are repainted annually.
Source: Saline County
4. Salina City Commission Advances Land Sale, City Manager Search, and Fire Station Project
The Salina City Commission made progress on several city initiatives during its March 10th meeting, including the preliminary approval of a land sale, scheduling interviews for city manager search firms, and approving an asphalt contract. Commissioners voted 4-1 to accept a $75k bid from Grand Prairie Villas, LLC for the former Gleniffer Hill Park property, with the stipulation that development must occur within an agreed timeframe or the land would revert to city ownership. The commission also scheduled a special meeting for March 12th to interview four firms that will facilitate the search for a new city manager. Additionally, as part of the consent agenda, commissioners unanimously approved a $941k contract with APAC Kansas Shears Division of Salina for ultra thin bonded asphalt. Commissioner Trent Davis also reported that earlier that day, officials held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station #4, marking the start of construction to replace the current station.
Source: City of Salina
5. Salina USD 305 Board Honors Teachers, Advances Learning Initiatives
At the March 11 Salina USD 305 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Linn Exline highlighted significant progress in the district's visible learning initiative, a research-based approach that empowers students to articulate learning goals and monitor their own progress through clear learning intentions and success criteria. The board celebrated Laura Bond, first-grade teacher at Oakdale Elementary, as Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Mandy Ediger, special education teacher at Lakewood Middle School, as Secondary Teacher of the Year, with each receiving the $1,000 H.E. and Erma Lee Nuss Teacher of the Year Award. Bond, a 21-year veteran at Oakdale, expressed pride in serving students with high needs, while Ediger, who transitioned from English to special education, emphasized her commitment to creating learning opportunities for all students. The superintendent also praised a community partnership with the Shriners that enabled all second-grade students to attend the circus, providing an enrichment opportunity and inspiring thoughtful thank-you notes that showcased students' writing skills.
Source: USD 305
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