Salina local news summary

Commission approves roundabout for 9th and Water Well despite opposition

Magnolia Hills subdivision expansion approved

Commission authorizes $288,000 for fiber optic network upgrade

New regulations adopted for tiny homes

Commission bans power covers as sole pool barrier

Budget amendment proposed to cover $2 million general fund shortfall

Remaining contingency funds used for commissioner iPads

Commission approves additional staff for senior services

Commission approves roundabout for 9th and Water Well despite opposition

SALINA, Kan. - In a 4-1 vote, the Salina City Commission authorized city staff and Kaw Valley Engineering to proceed with the design of a roundabout for the intersection of Ninth Street and Water Well Road. The decision followed significant debate and public comment from local trucking company owners who argued that roundabouts pose rollover risks for heavy commercial vehicles and favored traffic signals instead. City staff and consultants maintained that a roundabout, estimated as part of a $4.6 million corridor project, provides better long-term safety and traffic flow benefits, citing data that roundabouts reduce injury accidents by 82 percent compared to stop signs.

Magnolia Hills subdivision expansion approved

SALINA, Kan. - The city commission approved a resolution creating a special improvement district for Phase 1 of the Magnolia Hills Estates Addition No. 3, located south of the Berkley Family Recreational Area. The developer, Magnolia Hills Inc., petitioned for street, drainage, water and sewer improvements estimated to cost $1.1 million, which will be financed by the city and repaid through special assessments on the benefitting properties over 20 years. One commissioner recused themself from the vote and discussion.

Commission authorizes $288,000 for fiber optic network upgrade

SALINA, Kan. - City commissioners voted 5-0 to purchase $288,187 in networking equipment from C&C Group and CDW to support a transition to a "dark fiber" infrastructure. The city’s chief technology officer and information technology director explained that the city’s current 30-year-old fiber network is failing due to water-damaged splice closets, forcing the city to rely on expensive leased lines. The new equipment will allow the city to utilize existing third-party fiber infrastructure, creating a more resilient and secure network loop for city facilities while eventually reducing monthly operational costs.

New regulations adopted for tiny homes

SALINA, Kan. - In an effort to diversify housing options, the commission adopted "Appendix Q" of the International Residential Code, which establishes specific safety standards for tiny homes. The new regulations provide clarity on construction requirements for homes 400 square feet or less, addressing unique features such as sleeping lofts, ladders and egress methods that often do not fit standard building codes. Staff noted that this adoption addresses frequent inquiries from residents and aligns with national trends toward smaller, more affordable housing units.

Commission bans power covers as sole pool barrier

SALINA, Kan. - While adopting the 2018 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, the commission voted to retain a specific prohibition against using power safety covers as a substitute for physical barriers like fences. The Building Advisory Board recommended the ban, noting that mechanical covers can fail, require replacement every five years, and are difficult for city officials to inspect for compliance compared to permanent fencing. This local amendment ensures that all pools must have passive, permanent physical barriers to prevent accidental drowning.

Budget amendment proposed to cover $2 million general fund shortfall

SALINA, Kan. - The commission set a public hearing for Dec. 22 to discuss amendments to the 2025 budget, which projects the general fund will exceed its original budget by approximately $2 million. Finance Director Debbie Pack attributed the overage to unexpected costs associated with clearing a log jam in the Smoky Hill River, higher-than-anticipated employee payouts and increased overtime costs. The proposed amendment would raise the general fund expenditure authority from roughly $60.6 million to $62.6 million to ensure the city remains in compliance with state budget laws.

Remaining contingency funds used for commissioner iPads

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - With the end of the fiscal year approaching, commissioners voted to spend a portion of the remaining $4,011 in the 2025 commission contingency fund to purchase five new iPads. Staff noted that several current devices are aging and can no longer support necessary software updates for viewing electronic agendas. The purchase is estimated to cost approximately $2,500 and is expected to provide hardware that will last for the next five to six years.

Commission approves additional staff for senior services

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - The Saline County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request from the Department of Senior Services to hire two intermittent office specialists. Director Rosie Walter told commissioners that the department has seen a 62 percent increase in daily attendance since 2018 and is currently operating without a receptionist due to cuts in the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program. The positions will be funded entirely through community donations, which are currently trending at more than $10,000 per month.

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