City considers up to 60% water rate increase for pipe replacements

Commissioners debate funding sources for infrastructure

Downtown water plant requires $58 million upgrade

City grapples with EPA lead service line mandate

Commission approves privatizing animal shelter management

Animal control shifts to police department, ends wildlife responses

Commission approves 2027 city employee pay plan

Commission maintains status quo on public comment rules

City considers up to 60% water rate increase for pipe replacements

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission reviewed four proposals during a study session to accelerate the replacement of the city's aging cast-iron water lines, which are responsible for frequent breaks and discolored water. The options would increase the city's waterline replacement budget but would require compounded water rate increases ranging from 49% to 60% over the next five years. Staff recommended "Option B," which would replace 25 miles of 1950s and 1960s-era pipe over five years and incur a 51% rate hike. No official action was taken, but commissioners are expected to set the 2027 rates before the end of the year.

Commissioners debate funding sources for infrastructure

SALINA, Kan. — During the study session regarding the multimillion-dollar water line replacements, commissioners debated whether to rely solely on water rate increases or to explore alternative funding mechanisms. Director of Finance Debbie Pack noted that a 1-mill property tax increase would generate roughly $570,000 annually, while a 0.1% sales tax increase would generate about $1.5 million. While some commissioners favored a sales tax to capture revenue from out-of-town shoppers, others argued that funding basic water infrastructure is best handled through utility rates. Any proposed sales tax increase would require a public vote.

Downtown water plant requires $58 million upgrade

SALINA, Kan. — A draft facility study conducted by engineering firm Black & Veatch indicates the Downtown Water Treatment Plant requires approximately $58 million in upgrades. The facility, which processes both surface and groundwater and has not seen a major upgrade since 2000, needs an extensive overhaul to meet future regulatory requirements and extend its operational life for another 20 years. Design work is anticipated to conclude by the first quarter of 2028, with construction continuing through 2030.

City grapples with EPA lead service line mandate

SALINA, Kan. — Salina is working to identify and replace lead service lines to comply with an Environmental Protection Agency mandate requiring a definitive program by 2027. While the city has identified approximately 500 publicly owned lead service lines, identifying privately owned lines — those running from the meter to the home — has proven more difficult, requiring residents to self-report via a mailed pamphlet. The burden of funding the replacement of both public and private lines remains uncertain, as the city waits to see if federal assistance will become available for private homeowners.

Commission approves privatizing animal shelter management

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission voted 5-0 to accept a proposal from Ottawa, Kansas-based Prairie Paws Animal Shelter Inc. to take over management of the Salina Animal Shelter. The first year of the contract will cost the city $462,000, bringing the total cost of animal services — including city-retained animal control — to approximately $830,000, slightly less than the $858,000 projected if the city maintained full control. Representatives from Prairie Paws indicated they anticipate an eight-week transition period before officially taking over operations.

Animal control shifts to police department, ends wildlife responses

SALINA, Kan. — As part of the animal shelter transition to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter Inc., Salina's animal control officers will be relocated under the purview of the Salina Police Department rather than the Salina Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, the city announced it will officially cease responding to wildlife calls, such as reports of raccoons or opossums. Citizens with wildlife concerns will now be directed to contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or certified private trappers, allowing animal control to strictly focus on domestic dogs and cats.

Commission approves 2027 city employee pay plan

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission unanimously adopted the 2027 staffing table, position classification and salary schedule. The approved pay plan includes a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment applied to all pay grades at the start of the year, alongside a merit increase of up to 1.5% based on employee performance evaluations. The cost-of-living adjustment will cost the city's general fund approximately $473,850.

Commission maintains status quo on public comment rules

SALINA, Kan. — Following several months of contentious public meetings regarding issues at the city animal shelter, City Attorney Patrick Hoffman presented the Salina City Commission with options to modify the public participation policy, including requiring advance registration to speak or implementing a 30-minute cap on open forums. However, commissioners declined to change the current policy. The commission opted to maintain the status quo, emphasizing a mutual need for civility and strict enforcement of existing rules against audience disruptions, cheering and jeering.

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