Salina City Commission Summary
Week of September 15, 2026
Commission approves $160.9 million budget for 2027
Property tax rate to exceed revenue neutral rate
2027 comprehensive fee schedule adopted
Downtown business improvement district fees postponed
Gary Norris sworn in to fill commission vacancy
City explores creating a public information office
Housing development agreement amended to secure state grant
Great Plains Manufacturing land annexed into city
City advances animal shelter transition to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter
Commission approves $160.9 million budget for 2027
SALINA, Kan. - In a 4-1 decision, the Salina City Commission adopted the city's 2027 annual budget, which totals $160.9 million. The budget includes a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment and a maximum 1.5 percent merit increase for city employees. Finance Director Debbie Pack noted the budget is 2.3 percent higher than the 2026 adopted budget, largely holding operational expenses flat while accommodating personnel cost increases. One commissioner cast the lone dissenting vote, citing the financial burden on taxpayers and suggesting the city delay certain capital projects.
Property tax rate to exceed revenue neutral rate
SALINA, Kan. - The city commission voted 4-1 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the state-defined revenue neutral rate for 2027. The new mill levy is set at 29.568 mills, a 1-mill increase over the current rate. City staff emphasized that Salina maintains one of the lowest city mill levies among the state's 25 largest cities and has utilized the revenue neutral rate in three of the past five years. One commissioner voted against the measure following a public hearing where several residents voiced concerns over rising property taxes and insurance rates for citizens on fixed incomes.
2027 comprehensive fee schedule adopted
SALINA, Kan. - The commission unanimously approved the 2027 comprehensive fee schedule, which includes increased costs for several municipal services. Emergency Medical Services fees will increase between 2.94 percent and 11.11 percent to capture current Medicare rates. City clerk fees will rise between 5 percent and 10 percent after seven years without an increase, and monthly sanitation service fees will be bumped to $21.75. The drive-through recycling fee will also increase to $1.75 per month.
Downtown business improvement district fees postponed
SALINA, Kan. - Action on an ordinance to levy 2027 service fees for the Salina Business Improvement District No. 1 was postponed until Nov. 9. While the district's board recommended a 0 percent increase for downtown businesses, the mayor raised concerns about disparities in the current fee structure, noting that some of the district's largest employers pay disproportionately similar fees to much smaller businesses. The commission directed staff and Salina Downtown Inc. to research the historical reasoning behind the fee assessment formulas before taking a vote.
Gary Norris sworn in to fill commission vacancy
SALINA, Kan. - The Salina City Commission officially formalized the appointment of Gary Norris to fill the vacancy left by former Commissioner Jerry Ivey. Ivey had stepped down in July to spend more time with his family. The commission unanimously approved a resolution memorializing the appointment, and Norris, a former USD 305 school superintendent, was administered the oath of office at the start of the meeting. He will serve the remainder of the unexpired term and participated in the session's subsequent votes.
City explores creating a public information office
SALINA, Kan. - In response to community demands for greater transparency, Commissioner Gary Norris proposed transforming the city's current media department into a robust public information office. Norris suggested the office could provide daily updates on crucial city issues and promptly answer resident emails, filling the void left by a shrinking local news presence. City Manager Jacob Wood confirmed there are vacant positions that could be reorganized to support the strategy and agreed to begin working on the transition.
Housing development agreement amended to secure state grant
SALINA, Kan. - Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the Phase 2 development agreement with Salina Destination Development, LLC, extending project deadlines and reallocating grant funds. The developer is tasked with building 500 total housing units utilizing $25 million in funding secured from the State of Kansas. The developer has successfully completed 252 units in Phase 1. However, to prevent the loss of $12 million in remaining state grant funds that expire at the end of 2026, the amendment allows the developer to claim reimbursements for out-of-pocket Phase 1 costs. The completion deadline for the final 248 units was pushed back to accommodate ongoing infrastructure construction.
Great Plains Manufacturing land annexed into city
SALINA, Kan. - The city commission unanimously approved the voluntary annexation of 27 acres owned by Great Plains Manufacturing, a Kubota subsidiary, at the northwest corner of East North Street and Marymount Road. The property will default to I-3 heavy industrial zoning, consistent with the company's existing manufacturing campus to the west. The annexation will add the property to the city's tax rolls and transfer the maintenance responsibility of adjacent, unbuilt rights of way from Saline County to the city.
City advances animal shelter transition to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter
SALINA, Kan. - City Manager Jacob Wood provided an official update on the Salina Animal Shelter, confirming the city is reviewing a comprehensive proposal from Prairie Paws Animal Shelter to take over operations. Though the commission has yet to formally award the contract, Wood stated that staff will begin contract negotiations immediately to expedite the transition. Pending final approval of the agreement, Prairie Paws Animal Shelter is expected to assume management of the facility by late November or December.
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