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Salina – Week of July 15, 2025

City Commission July 14, 2025

Greg Loving

15 Jul 2025 • 3 min read

1. Water and Wastewater Rates Poised for 5 % Hike in 2026

Salina residents may see a 5 % increase in their water and wastewater bills starting in January 2026. During a budget study session, Director of Finance Debbie Pack presented a rate analysis recommending the hike to keep the city’s utility fund solvent amid major infrastructure projects. The increase would add about $5.10 per month for the average customer using 8,000 gallons of water.

Officials explained the increase is necessary to pay for significant upcoming capital needs, including a downtown water-plant upgrade and new equipment for the wastewater-treatment plant. For years, the city intentionally built up the utility-fund balance to prepare for these projects. However, with those projects now underway, the fund balance is projected to decrease rapidly, necessitating the rate adjustments to ensure long-term stability. The 5 % annual increase is projected for the next five years to maintain the fund’s health.

2. Opioid-Settlement Spending Plan Debated Over Law-Enforcement Funding

A plan for spending funds from a national opioid settlement sparked debate among commissioners regarding the share allocated to law enforcement. The proposed framework, developed jointly with Saline County, envisions spending roughly $100,000 annually, with a portion designated for the city’s co-responder program that pairs mental-health professionals with police officers. Commissioner Trent Davis questioned the earmark, arguing settlement dollars should focus on treatment, prevention and recovery rather than enforcement.

City staff clarified that the co-responder element is intended to connect people in crisis with services, but commissioners worried that labeling the category “law enforcement” could limit flexibility if future treatment needs outweigh program costs. The commission approved the framework and ordered staff to draft an interlocal agreement with clarified language on enforcement’s role.

3. City Approves Design for Two Major Roundabout Projects

Salina is moving forward with two major roundabout projects after the City Commission approved engineering-design contracts totaling more than $927,000. An agreement for $506,772 went to WSP USA Inc. for Phases 2 and 3 of the West Magnolia Road improvements, which include a roundabout at Centennial Road. A separate $420,425 contract was awarded to Kaw Valley Engineering for a roundabout at 9th Street and Waterwell Road.

City Engineer Jim Kowach said the 9th and Waterwell roundabout is preferable to a signal with dual left-turn lanes, which could back traffic onto I-135 ramps, especially with growth near the airport, Kubota, and the new Amazon warehouse.

4. Railroad Demands Inflate Trail-Crossing Cost from $30 K to $1.5 M

A pedestrian-trail project saw its railroad-crossing estimate soar from $20 000–$30 000 to about $1.5 million after Union Pacific Railroad required a complete track replacement. The city approved an agreement for $241,397 to cover initial work, flagging and annual maintenance fees so it can remain eligible for a KDOT grant tied to the Magnolia Road multi-use path.

Despite frustration over the cost spike, commissioners deemed the expenditure necessary because the city has already invested significant design work and views the trail as a critical east-west corridor for cyclists and pedestrians.

5. Post-Holiday Debate Ignites Over Fireworks Enforcement

Following Independence Day, Commissioner Trent Davis likened some neighborhood displays to “military flares” and questioned whether fireworks sold and discharged in Salina comply with code requiring devices to land on the property of launch.

Enforcement remains difficult: the ordinance banning street discharge is widely ignored. Fire Chief Shane Pearson reported one structure fire linked to improperly stored fireworks and numerous small grass fires over the holiday period. The commission signaled it may revisit the ordinance and solicit public feedback to make neighborhoods “a little safer” next year.