Salina local news summary
Week of November 25 2025
Salina Commission weighs legal options following federal ruling in Cozy Inn mural dispute
Commission sets mail-in ballot election for pit bull ban repeal
City adopts 'Vision Zero' policy to eliminate traffic fatalities
2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan approved
Contract awarded for West Magnolia Road improvements despite high costs
Industrial revenue bonds approved for A&B Tool and Machine expansion
Vehicle crash causes major damage to Expo Center’s Kenwood Hall
Commissioners eye millions in potential repairs for aging 4-H building
Sheriff announces sharp rate increase for housing state inmates
County receives first payback on ARPA-funded housing project
County approves new agreement for Junction City juvenile detention facility
Salina Commission weighs legal options following federal ruling in Cozy Inn mural dispute
SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission met in executive session for more than two hours Monday to consult with special legal counsel regarding the ongoing Cozy Inn vs. City of Salina litigation, following a recent federal court ruling that found the city’s sign code violated the First Amendment. The closed-door meeting addressed the implications of U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse’s November 2025 decision, which held that the city unconstitutionally distinguished between murals and signs when blocking the restaurant’s proposed UFO-themed display. While the commission adjourned the extended session without taking immediate public action, officials are currently evaluating the broader regulatory impact of the judgment and considering a potential appeal.
Commission sets mail-in ballot election for pit bull ban repeal
SALINA, Kan. - The Salina City Commission voted 4-1 to hold a special mail-ballot election regarding the potential repeal of the city’s breed-specific legislation, commonly known as the pit bull ban. Following the receipt of a valid initiative and referendum petition, commissioners selected Feb. 24, 2026, as the election date. The election will be conducted entirely by mail, a method city staff noted typically yields higher voter turnout than traditional polling. One commissioner cast the sole dissenting vote, expressing opposition to mail-in balloting and a preference for a later election date.
City adopts 'Vision Zero' policy to eliminate traffic fatalities
SALINA, Kan. - The commission unanimously approved a resolution adopting a "Vision Zero" policy, which sets a goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on city streets by 2035. Public Works Director Ron Marsh described the goal as ambitious but achievable through a combination of speed reduction, infrastructure improvements and data analysis. The resolution establishes a Vision Zero committee comprised of city staff, first responders and community stakeholders to develop an action plan. During public comment, representatives from the trucking industry requested inclusion in the committee to ensure commercial traffic needs are considered.
2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan approved
SALINA, Kan. - Commissioners adopted the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, which outlines infrastructure spending priorities for the next five years. For 2026, the plan includes $1.2 million in cash-funded projects and $9.4 million in debt-financed projects. Notable items slated for 2026 include landfill improvements, airport water mains and the design of a roundabout at Ohio and Shilling streets. During discussion, commissioners requested that the Vision Zero committee review the Ohio and Shilling roundabout design to address pedestrian safety concerns regarding nearby schools before construction begins.
Contract awarded for West Magnolia Road improvements despite high costs
SALINA, Kan. - Commissioners unanimously awarded a construction contract to Prairie Land Works Inc., of McPherson, for Phase 1 of the West Magnolia Road project in an amount not to exceed $3.97 million. The bid came in significantly higher than the engineer's estimate, attributed to complex drainage requirements and the need to phase construction to keep the road open for nearby high-density housing and retail. The project includes a single-lane roundabout near the Interstate 135 ramps and widening the roadway. City staff noted that delaying the project would risk forfeiting a $1.5 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Industrial revenue bonds approved for A&B Tool and Machine expansion
SALINA, Kan. - The commission authorized the issuance of up to $6.3 million in industrial revenue bonds to support the expansion of A&B Tool and Machine. The company plans to construct a new 38,170-square-foot facility on a 5.5-acre site at South Ohio and McIntosh streets. The project is expected to create six new jobs within the first three years and a total of 10 new jobs over five years. The resolution grants a 10-year, 100 percent property tax abatement on the new construction, though the company will continue to pay taxes on its current leased facility.
Vehicle crash causes major damage to Expo Center’s Kenwood Hall
SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — A vehicle recently crashed into Kenwood Hall at the Saline County Expo Center, causing extensive structural damage to the building’s restrooms. An Expo Center official presented photos Tuesday showing a large hole in the exterior wall where a vehicle struck a dumpster, pushing it through the building and shattering interior block walls and porcelain fixtures. The force of the impact was significant enough to crack mortar on the opposite side of the restroom block. County officials are working to determine the full extent of insurance coverage and noted the county’s own insurance would cover costs exceeding the driver’s policy limits before seeking restitution.
Commissioners eye millions in potential repairs for aging 4-H building
SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The Saline County 4-H Building is facing major infrastructure challenges, including a failing roof that could be part of a multi-million-dollar list of needed repairs, the commission learned Tuesday. An update from the Expo Center director revealed the 20-year-old roof has widespread hail damage, causing multiple leaks that threaten the suspended ceiling below. Officials noted that the building also requires significant overhauls to its restroom facilities and kitchen. The discussion prompted commissioners to suggest a future study session to determine a long-term strategic plan for the Expo Center and its aging facilities.
Sheriff announces sharp rate increase for housing state inmates
SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is increasing the daily rate it charges the Kansas Department of Corrections to house parole violators by nearly 80 percent, from $61.23 to $109.33 per inmate. The sheriff informed the commission Tuesday that the new rate is based on the updated cost of operating the jail divided by the number of inmate days. The sheriff noted that while the county’s overall inmate count is down, the per-inmate cost has risen. The new rate, which falls within the KDOC’s maximum allowable reimbursement of $112.82, is expected to generate significant additional revenue. Based on inmate days through Sept., the increase would have brought in an additional $36,000 for the county this year.
County receives first payback on ARPA-funded housing project
SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The county has received its first return on a $1 million investment of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds used for a housing development project. Commissioners were reminded Tuesday that the funds were contributed to install water and sewer infrastructure for a new housing development at Schilling and Ohio. The project is located within a Rural Housing Incentive District, which allows the county to be paid back over time. The first payment received by the county was $32,000, with that annual amount expected to increase as the development grows.
County approves new agreement for Junction City juvenile detention facility
SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners on Tuesday authorized its representative to sign an updated interlocal agreement for the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility. The facility, located in Junction City, is a joint operation among several area counties. Before the unanimous vote, commissioners questioned the facility’s financial oversight. Commissioner Monte Shadwick recalled “questionable” expenditures from his time on the facility’s board. Another county commissioner who serves on the facility’s board assured the commission that she has been actively questioning expenses and feels comfortable with the financial transparency and answers she has received from the facility’s leadership.
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