Commission selects construction manager for health department renovation

Health department launches faith-based listening session

County considers checkpoints to enhance City-County Building security

County to evaluate long-term future of Expo Center

Five-year emergency operations and mass casualty plans adopted

County backs SkyWest to protect local airport routes

Hedville street renamed to resolve delivery confusion

County appraiser promotes tax refunds, warns of property tax scam

Commission selects construction manager for health department renovation

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - The Saline County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Hutton Corporation as the construction manager at risk for the Saline County Health Department's upcoming relocation to a property on Prescott Avenue. While the county purchased the former medical clinic for $2.5 million, officials emphasized that renovations will be required to fit the health department's specific needs and to accommodate potential co-locating departments. The construction manager will oversee pre-construction and construction phases with an estimated fee of $32,480 per month during construction, though final costs will depend on the project's total scope and require future commission approval.

Health department launches faith-based listening session

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - The Saline County Health Department hosted a faith-based listening session as part of a national initiative to build public trust in local health services. Commissioners noted that the event was designed to gather feedback from faith leaders, who frequently have daily interactions with the community, to better understand public sentiments and improve outreach. The project is part of the county's participation in a National Association of Counties cohort focused on strengthening the relationship between public health organizations and the citizens they serve.

County considers checkpoints to enhance City-County Building security

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Following an active shooter simulation earlier this year, Saline County is exploring the implementation of secure checkpoints at the main entrances of the City-County Building. County Administrator Matt Stiles noted that while the third-floor district court currently utilizes metal detectors, the rest of the building remains vulnerable, particularly high-traffic areas like the treasurer's office. Officials plan to collaborate with the city and courts to potentially reallocate security resources to the front doors to better protect employees and the public.

County to evaluate long-term future of Expo Center

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Saline County Administrator Matt Stiles announced ongoing conversations with Oak View Group regarding the operational future of the Saline County Expo Center. While highlighting a highly successful rodeo at this year's Tri-Rivers Fair, Stiles noted that the county will need to reevaluate the facility's long-term goals during strategic planning sessions next January. The discussions will aim to determine the exact types of events the county wants to host and identify the necessary facility upgrades required to accommodate them.

Five-year emergency operations and mass casualty plans adopted

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - The commission unanimously adopted three comprehensive emergency management frameworks: the Local Emergency Operations Plan, Mass Casualty Plan and Disaster Recovery Plan. Emergency Management Director Michelle Weis explained that the five-year plans dictate multi-organizational coordination between law enforcement, emergency medical services, hospitals and all six cities within the county. The approved policies establish operational guidance for everything from immediate agency responses during mass fatality incidents to long-term community restoration and infrastructure recovery up to a year after a disaster.

County backs SkyWest to protect local airport routes

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Saline County officials are strongly advocating for SkyWest to retain its Essential Air Service contract at the Salina Regional Airport, despite a lower bid submitted by Denver Air Connection. County Administrator Matt Stiles urged the public to submit comments supporting SkyWest to the U.S. Department of Transportation, expressing concern that a change in providers could negatively impact existing vital routes to Denver, Chicago and Houston. The county officially approved a letter of support for the airline, emphasizing that SkyWest's partnership with United Airlines is critical to the continued success and development of the local air system.

Hedville street renamed to resolve delivery confusion

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners approved a petition to rename a road in unincorporated Hedville to a new road name. Planning and Zoning Administrator Tim Hamilton explained that the change affects only three properties between South Main and nearby streets but is necessary to prevent duplicate street names in Saline County. The existing name routinely confused postal services and online shipping companies, which mistakenly routed deliveries to Washington Street in Salina.

County appraiser promotes tax refunds, warns of property tax scam

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. - Saline County Appraiser Sean Robertson reported a 95.7 percent compliance score from the state and used his semi-annual update to urge eligible seniors and veterans to apply for the K40 SVR property tax refund. Often referred to as a "tax freeze," the state program refunds the difference between a resident's prior and current year property taxes for those meeting specific income requirements. Robertson also warned the public about a scam circulating online that falsely claims the federal government has frozen property taxes for seniors, reminding residents that local property taxes are not dictated by federal law.

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