Salina local news summary
Week of December 23 2025
Amended 2025 budget addresses $2 million shortfall
FEMA funding secured for river log jam cleanup
Commission denies fee reduction for Ambassador Hotel demolition
"ReUseIt Salina!" seeks $600,000 in city support
Downtown TIF district expanded for potential hotel project
SkyWest Airlines to open maintenance facility
Strategic plan on homelessness approved
Fire code update adopted with delay on venue restrictions
Amended 2025 budget addresses $2 million shortfall
SALINA, Kan. — Following a public hearing, the commission approved amendments to the 2025 budget to address a shortfall of approximately $2 million in the General Fund. Deputy Finance Director Karina Reinhart attributed the deficit to unexpected expenses, including the cleanup of a log jam in the Smoky Hill River at Bill Burke Park and payouts for employee retirements and overtime. The amendment increases the budget authority for several funds, including the General Fund, Golf Fund and Health Insurance Fund, to ensure compliance with state budget laws.
FEMA funding secured for river log jam cleanup
SALINA, Kan. — Director of Utilities Martha Tasker confirmed that the city has received approval for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster funding to assist with the costs associated with clearing a massive log jam in the Smoky Hill River. The cleanup project, which contributed to the 2025 budget shortfall, is nearing completion. The federal funding will help offset the financial impact on the city's General Fund.
Commission denies fee reduction for Ambassador Hotel demolition
SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission voted unanimously to deny a request from Andrea Investments, LLC to reduce the Salina Landfill disposal fee for debris generated by the demolition of the former Ambassador Hotel at 1616 W. Crawford St. The property owner's attorney, Blaine Smith, requested the city lower the rate from $96 per ton for loads consisting primarily of rock, concrete or masonry to the standard $48-per-ton secured waste rate, citing estimated disposal costs of roughly $400,000 that were hindering redevelopment. Following a 15-minute executive session to discuss legal implications, the commission rejected the request and directed staff to ensure the remaining rubble is removed promptly.
"ReUseIt Salina!" seeks $600,000 in city support
SALINA, Kan. — During a study session, organizers Phil Black and Gary Norris presented a proposal for a "ReUseIt Salina!" center at 549 N. Ohio St., designed to divert construction materials and household goods from the landfill. The group requested $600,000 from the city's solid waste fund to purchase their building and make capital improvements, or alternatively, installment payments over several years. While commissioners expressed support for the concept of waste diversion, they voiced hesitation regarding the large upfront cost and directed staff to return in January with a menu of funding options that would not deplete the city's solid waste reserves.
Downtown TIF district expanded for potential hotel project
SALINA, Kan. — The commission approved an ordinance expanding the Salina Downtown Redevelopment District to include a city-owned parking lot in the 200 block of South Seventh Street and the Salina Community Theatre property. City Manager Jacob Wood explained the expansion was requested by Lighthouse Properties, LLC to facilitate a proposed SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel and public parking garage project. Wood clarified that the vote only expands the district boundaries to allow for the potential use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds but does not yet approve the specific development project or incentives.
SkyWest Airlines to open maintenance facility
SALINA, Kan. — City Manager Jacob Wood announced that SkyWest Airlines has selected the Salina Regional Airport for a new aircraft maintenance facility. Wood described the agreement as a significant economic win for the community, noting that Salina was chosen over numerous other locations. The facility is expected to solidify the airline's presence in the region and support the existing air service provided to the community.
Greg Loving
Strategic plan on homelessness approved
SALINA, Kan. — Commissioners voted 5–0 to award a $71,899 contract to SHG Advisors of Conifer, Colo., to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to address homelessness in Salina. Community Relations Supervisor Michelle Martin stated that while the city has various agencies working on the issue, a unified, actionable plan is necessary to coordinate resources and identify funding gaps. The process, which will include data collection and stakeholder engagement, is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and last for 12 months.
Fire code update adopted with delay on venue restrictions
SALINA, Kan. — The commission approved Ordinance No. 25-11266, adopting the 2018 International Fire Code with specific local amendments designed in part to aid venues like VFW Post 1432. Following pushback regarding a provision that would require sprinkler systems for assembly areas with more than 300 occupants where alcohol is consumed, staff proposed a compromise. The ordinance allows venues to operate under current standards through 2026, with the stricter sprinkler requirement or an occupancy cap taking effect in 2027, giving affected organizations time to adapt or seek state-level code changes.
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