County drops plans to cut Home Health from budget

Health Department details Home Health financial hurdles

Health Department remodel moves forward

Residents petition to save Sundowner West water system

County administrator outlines 2027 budget and mill levy

Commissioners explore bed tax funds for Expo Center

Review of open records fees requested

County drops plans to cut Home Health from budget

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The Saline County Board of Commissioners announced it will not cut the Health Department's Home Health division from the 2027 budget. The decision, reached during a pre-meeting study session, was met with overwhelming praise during a lengthy public forum. Dozens of patients, nurses and private health care providers cited the division's 60-year history and its vital role in serving vulnerable, Medicaid-reliant residents who speakers said can have difficulty finding services through private agencies.

Health Department details Home Health financial hurdles

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Despite surviving the budget chopping block, the Saline County Home Health division faces significant financial and regulatory hurdles moving forward. Health Department Director Jason Tiller reported that the division is operating with an estimated $400,000 deficit, largely exacerbated by persistent nursing shortages and declining Medicaid reimbursements. Tiller also noted a nationwide federal moratorium implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on May 13 that prevents all new home health agencies from gaining Medicare certification to combat fraud, which he warned could further strain the local health care ecosystem.

Health Department remodel moves forward

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The Saline County Health Department is advancing its planned facility remodel, having officially selected architectural firm Tessere for the project. Health Department Director Jason Tiller announced the selection during his departmental update, noting that proposals for a construction manager at risk will be presented to the commission in the coming weeks for final approval. Estimated costs and a timeline for the remodel have not yet been released.

Residents petition to save Sundowner West water system

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Saline County officials provided an update on the water crisis at Sundowner West Mobile Home Park, which recently faced a state-issued no-drink order due to a pipe break and improper chemical levels. It was stated that the pump house plumbing is currently being rebuilt to satisfy the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. After the Kansas Corporation Commission intervened to remove the park's previous private owner from controlling the water services following years of neglect, a new management entity called Pleasant Hill Water—formed by local water well companies—was assigned oversight. Residents are circulating a petition to form a proposed improvement district, which would allow the community to access low-cost state loans for infrastructure repairs and stabilize the private water system's future.

County administrator outlines 2027 budget and mill levy

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — County Administrator Matt Stiles reported the proposed 2027 Saline County budget includes an $830,183 increase in estimated expenditures, representing a 1.3 percent jump from the previous year. The estimated property tax rate will sit at 42.142 mills, which exceeds the county's revenue-neutral rate of 38.724 mills. The commission is scheduled to hold a revenue-neutral rate and official budget adoption hearing on Sept. 1, 2026.

Commissioners explore bed tax funds for Expo Center

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The Saline County Expo Center will remain fully funded in the upcoming budget, with officials actively exploring new marketing partnerships to boost its economic impact. County Administrator Matt Stiles noted recent discussions with Oak View Group, a major national venue management company that currently manages the nearby Salina arena, regarding marketing strategies and potential operational efficiencies. Meanwhile, it was suggested during the meeting that the county formally request a portion of the transient guest tax — or "bed tax" — revenues from the city of Salina to help financially support the facility.

Review of open records fees requested

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — A review of Saline County's Kansas Open Records Act policy was requested during the meeting, specifically targeting the fees charged to citizens requesting public documents. It was argued that high administrative costs burden taxpayers and hinder local government transparency, with officials urged to find ways to provide requested information without financially penalizing the public.

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