Salina – Week of March 30, 2025
Tighter county budget controls; County strategic plan; Housing projects approved; Streets show winter damage; City manager search
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Obituaries
Taming of the Smoky Hill River
Where the Buffalo Roam
1. County Signals Tighter Budget Controls for 2026
2. County Approves Long-Range Facilities Plan Emphasizing City-County Cooperation
3. City Advances Housing Projects to Meet Growing Demand
4. Salina Streets Show Heavy Winter Damage
5. Salina Commission Approves City Manager Search Firm Contract
1. County Signals Tighter Budget Controls for 2026
Following last issues mention of looming fiscal constraints, the Saline County Commission indicated they would take a more restrictive approach to the 2026 budget during their March 25 meeting. County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes sought guidance from commissioners while noting pending state legislation that would limit counties to a revenue neutral rate plus inflation of up to 4%. All five commissioners emphasized prioritizing essential county services over outside agency funding, with Commissioners Annie Grevas and Rodger Sparks requesting department heads prepare contingency plans showing potential 2-3% budget reductions. "You cannot sustain at the same money for 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 years," Commissioner Grevas acknowledged, while still expressing hope to avoid property tax increases. The commission directed particular scrutiny toward outside agencies, with Commissioner Monte Shadwick challenging the notion that "anybody that does good in the county should get taxpayer dollars" and Commissioner Sparks raising concerns about "double dipping" when organizations receive funding from both city and county governments. Commissioner James L. Weese supported more detailed reporting requirements for all agencies seeking county funds, signaling a tougher climate for non-governmental organizations in the upcoming budget cycle.
Source: Saline County
2. County Approves Long-Range Facilities Plan Emphasizing City-County Cooperation
The Saline County Commission unanimously approved an ambitious 15-18 year facilities master plan Tuesday, with city-county collaboration serving as a central theme throughout the proposal. The plan, presented by County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes after nearly a year of development, outlines six key initiatives beginning with demolishing the old jail within 18 months and relocating the health department within 3-5 years. Future phases focus heavily on shared resources between governmental entities, including relocating non-criminal justice county functions within 5-7 years while exploring co-location opportunities with the City of Salina, consolidating judicial functions into the main county building within 7-10 years, offering the former sheriff's office space to the city for police department expansion within 10-15 years, and restructuring the county-city building authority within 15-18 years. "It's very visionary, and I appreciate that this commission is looking past our time on this," said Commissioner Shadwick during the meeting. Smith-Hanes will now begin communicating the plan to city officials, seeking areas where the governments can maximize efficiency through shared facilities and services.
Source: Saline County
3. City Advances Housing Projects to Meet Growing Demand
The Salina City Commission approved two significant housing developments at Monday's meeting, addressing the city's housing needs through diverse residential options. The Dry Creek Addition No. 2, developed by Salina Destination Development, received approval for its second phase featuring 152 horizontal apartment units across 139 buildings, including 13 duplexes, 126 individual units, and an innovative mix of "micro mansions" manufactured off-site. This 29.2-acre development will include gated communities with amenities like dog runs and walking trails, with the developer hoping to break ground this spring. Meanwhile, commissioners voted 3-1 to extend South View Estates' completion deadline to December 31, 2026, after developer Stan Byquist reported that rising interest rates had increased monthly payments by 40% while slowing sales. Despite challenges, South View Estates has sold 51 units (including 9 to moderate-income buyers), has five homes under contract, and expects to complete all foundations within two weeks, maintaining price points between $179,000 for townhomes and $225,000 for single-family homes with two-car garages.
Source: City of Salina
4. Salina Streets Show Heavy Winter Damage
Commissioners raised concerns about the condition of Salina's streets following an unusually harsh winter during Monday's meeting, with Commissioner Michael L. Hoppock noting a significant increase in pothole damage throughout the city. Public Works Director Jim Teutsch, who is retiring this Friday after years of service with the city, confirmed that extended cold periods followed by temperature fluctuations had caused exceptional damage to city pavements. The commission discussed potential equipment improvements, with Commissioner Ivey suggesting investment in "hot box" technology that would both keep asphalt at proper temperature and reduce physical strain on workers. Citizens can report potholes by calling 785-309-5750, with crews currently using cold patch materials for immediate repairs while planning more permanent fixes with hot mix asphalt when schedules allow.
Source: City of Salina
5. Salina Commission Approves City Manager Search Firm Contract
The Salina City Commission unanimously approved a $21,500 contract with Government Professional Solutions (GPS) to conduct the search for a new city manager at Monday's meeting. The decision culminates a process that began with the Commission reviewing proposals from multiple firms at their February 24 meeting, where they narrowed their options to four finalists. These finalists were interviewed during a special meeting on March 12, leading to the selection of GPS. These meetings are tentatively scheduled for March 31, after which GPS will develop a detailed timeline for identifying candidates to lead the city.
Source: City of Salina
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