Commission funds Reuse-It Center with HVAC amendment

Traffic study approved for Schilling and Ohio intersection in split vote

Engineering work begins on Smoky Hill River bridge replacement

Change order approved for water main replacement

Special improvement district created near I-70

Airport authority bond proceeds reallocated for terminal upgrades

Mayor announces new AI facility at K-State Salina

Earl J. Bondy naming rights relocated to Berkley complex

City dog park officially named 'The Barking Lot'

Citizens allege mismanagement at animal shelter

County attorney warns of staffing crisis and low pay

Internship program proposed to combat legal staff shortage

County saves $289,000 in health insurance premiums

Commissioners seek moratorium on data centers, nuclear and hydrogen plants

Library district bill stalls in committee

Board explores switch to vehicle leasing fleet model

$87,000 approved for road culverts and pipes

Expo Center reports upgrades to Ag Hall

Clerk clarifies ballot return procedures for upcoming deadline

Commission funds Reuse-It Center with HVAC amendment

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission voted unanimously to authorize $162,500 in funding from the solid waste fund to support the establishment of a local "Reuse-It Center," a nonprofit facility on North Ohio Street designed to divert reusable home improvement materials from the landfill. While the original resolution proposed $150,000 for the building purchase, commissioners amended the agreement to add $12,500 to cover half the cost of necessary HVAC upgrades to ensure year-round operation. City staff noted that a "clawback" provision could be included to protect taxpayer funds should the venture fail, though commissioners opted not to pursue a complex lien on the property.

Traffic study approved for Schilling and Ohio intersection in split vote

SALINA, Kan. — In a 4-1 vote, the commission authorized a $125,600 agreement with Alfred Benesch & Co. to conduct a traffic study and Phase 1 design for the intersection of Schilling Road and Ohio Street. The city engineer noted the intersection has seen increased traffic, high speeds and near-miss accidents, prompting a need to evaluate options such as traffic signals or a roundabout. The study will analyze current traffic counts and safety data before a final design is selected.

Engineering work begins on Smoky Hill River bridge replacement

SALINA, Kan. — The city commission authorized a $302,985 agreement with Schwab Eaton for Phase 1 design services to replace the Smoky Hill River bridge on Magnolia Road. The existing bridge, built in 1958, is considered narrow and functionally obsolete, with infrastructure ratings nearing the end of their usable life. The design phase will explore options for replacing the bridge while keeping the road open to traffic, as well as integrating a pedestrian trail connection.

Change order approved for water main replacement

SALINA, Kan. — The commission approved a change order adding $185,820 to a water main replacement project, extending the completion date to June 2025. A commissioner pulled the item from the consent agenda to request clarification for taxpayers regarding the cost increase. The city's director of utilities explained that the overage was due to unforeseen conditions, including 18 instances of additional traffic control and new Kansas Department of Health and Environment requirements mandating specific vertical separation between water and sewer lines.

Special improvement district created near I-70

SALINA, Kan. — The commission approved a resolution establishing a special improvement district for a commercial development southwest of I-70. The agreement with Bach Construction Inc. involves approximately $770,000 in infrastructure improvements, including streets, drainage and water lines, to serve three lots. The costs will be 100 percent assessed to the property owners within the district, posing no direct cost to the city's general fund while facilitating commercial growth near the interstate corridor.

Airport authority bond proceeds reallocated for terminal upgrades

SALINA, Kan. — Commissioners passed an ordinance unconditionally approving the Salina Airport Authority's use of approximately $1.56 million in general obligation temporary note proceeds for substitute improvements. The funds, originally designated for infrastructure on a different parcel, will now support Phase 2 rehabilitation of the M.J. Kennedy Terminal Building and development for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. The airport authority's executive director indicated the funds would help pave a gravel parking lot and upgrade hangar fire suppression systems.

Mayor announces new AI facility at K-State Salina

SALINA, Kan. — During the administrative portion of the meeting, Mayor Mike Hoppock highlighted the construction of a new 47,000-square-foot facility at the Kansas State University Salina campus. The building will house the Kansas Advanced Immersive Research for Emerging Systems (K-AIRES), a virtual reality and AI initiative expected to bring approximately 70 high-paying jobs to the community. The mayor noted that the facility represents a significant economic development win for Salina, blending technology, storytelling and immersive training.

Earl J. Bondy naming rights relocated to Berkley complex

SALINA, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to relocate the Earl J. Bondy naming rights from a ballfield near Sunset Park to Fields 1 and 2 at the Berkley Family Recreational Area. The request, initiated by former players and friends of the late Earl Bondy, aims to move the memorial to a more prominent, high-traffic location to better honor Bondy's contributions to local youth baseball. While some public feedback expressed concern that removing the name might signal neglect for the Sunset Park neighborhood, supporters argued the move ensures Bondy's legacy is visible to a new generation of players.

City dog park officially named 'The Barking Lot'

SALINA, Kan. — Following a community engagement process, the commission voted to officially name the dog park at John Parker Jr. Park "The Barking Lot." The city's parks and recreation director reported that the name was selected through an online poll on Salina 311, where it received 44 percent of the 7,800 votes cast. The commission approved the resolution 5-0, and staff is currently soliciting bids for a 12-by-3-foot sign to be installed on the park's fence.

Citizens allege mismanagement at animal shelter

SALINA, Kan. — During the public comment period, several residents presented state inspection reports and raised concerns about conditions at the Salina Animal Shelter. Speakers cited Kansas Department of Agriculture reports detailing sanitation issues and questioned shelter protocols regarding euthanasia. The citizens urged the commission to consider alternative management options for the shelter's operations, including potential partnerships with outside organizations to improve animal care standards.

County attorney warns of staffing crisis and low pay

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Saline County Attorney John Reynolds discussed attorney salaries and a rural lawyer shortage with the commission. Reynolds noted that neighboring McPherson and Ellis counties are hiring new attorneys at salaries ranging from $109,000 to $115,000, figures higher than what experienced staff currently earn in Saline County. He indicated that if the staffing crisis continues, the state legislature might eventually force a shift to a district attorney model, which would consolidate legal representation across multiple counties and potentially increase costs for the county.

Internship program proposed to combat legal staff shortage

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - In an effort to address recruitment struggles, Reynolds proposed a $30,000 budget to fund a legal internship program. The proposal includes hiring summer interns and participating in Washburn University's "Third Year Anywhere" program, which allows law students to work in the office during their final year of school. Reynolds cited the success of a current staff member who previously interned with the office as proof that the program serves as an effective long-term recruitment tool.

County saves $289,000 in health insurance premiums

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - During a quarterly human resources update, Human Resources Director Marilyn Leamer reported that the county saved approximately $289,000 in January due to an employer premium holiday. The holiday was made possible by favorable insurance claims data from the previous year. Leamer also noted that the county's turnover rate for the quarter was approximately 2.98 percent, and the new health plan is currently running at a stable 72.7 percent loss ratio.

Commissioners seek moratorium on data centers, nuclear and hydrogen plants

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - The Saline County Board of Commissioners directed staff to draft a resolution instituting a pause on applications for data centers, hydrogen plants and nuclear facilities. Following a work session discussion, County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes indicated that while a moratorium cannot be placed on battery energy storage systems because regulations already exist, a pause on other emerging technologies is legally viable. The board expressed a desire to halt these developments for up to a year to allow the planning commission time to draft appropriate regulations without the pressure of pending applications.

Library district bill stalls in committee

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Smith-Hanes provided a legislative update noting that a state bill concerning library districts and regional systems was voted down in committee. The commission had previously submitted a letter of support for the bill. While the legislation is currently stalled, Smith-Hanes indicated that staff would continue to monitor tax bills and election schedule changes currently under discussion in the shortened legislative session.

Board explores switch to vehicle leasing fleet model

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners engaged in a concept discussion regarding a potential shift from purchasing county vehicles to a leasing model. Deputy County Administrator Hannah Bett introduced Ken Olsen of Enterprise Fleet Management, who proposed an "equity lease" program. Olsen argued that cycling vehicles every three to five years could save the county approximately $360,000 by reducing maintenance costs and capitalizing on resale values. Staff will research options and return with recommendations.

$87,000 approved for road culverts and pipes

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - The commission voted to award bids totaling $87,459.20 for pipe culverts to replenish the Road and Bridge Department's inventory. County Engineer Justin Mader presented the item, recommending a split award to maintain stock for the 2026 year. Wellborn Sales was awarded the contract for standard pipe at $59,434.20, while J&J Drainage Products won the bid for galvanized end sections at $28,025. The funds will be drawn from the county's 2-mill account.

Expo Center reports upgrades to Ag Hall

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Expo and Life Center Director David Flaherty II updated the commission on recent facility improvements, including the installation of new fans and LED lighting over the seating areas in Ag Hall. Flaherty highlighted that staff members performed much of the installation and painting work themselves to save costs. The department is also preparing for the spring season, including weed control operations and the hosting of a new Palomino horse show contracted for the next three years.

Clerk clarifies ballot return procedures for upcoming deadline

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Saline County Clerk Jamie Doss cautioned the public that all mail-in ballots for the current election are due by noon on Tuesday, Feb. 24. She clarified that the three-day grace period for postmarked ballots has been eliminated by the state legislature, meaning ballots must be physically in the office by the deadline to count. She also instructed residents who receive ballots for individuals no longer living at their address to mark them "Return to Sender" and place them back in the mail to help the office update voter rolls.

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