Shadwick resigns from county commission after more than a decade

Commission delays officer elections until vacant seat is filled

Commission sets sights on holding mill levy for 2027 budget

New administrator pivots open PIO role to focus on grant writing

County accepts $319,000 in state highway funds

Health department renovation draws nine architectural bids

Senior center prepares for renovations amid surging meal demand

County upgrades emergency mass notification system

Shadwick resigns from county commission after more than a decade

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Saline County Commissioner Monte "Monty" Shadwick has officially resigned from the Board of County Commissioners after more than a decade of service. A statement read during the meeting cited extensive upcoming travel plans with his family that would prevent regular meeting attendance, adding that it is the right time for new leadership. The Saline County Republican Central Committee is expected to meet in early May to select a nominee to fill the vacant seat, subject to gubernatorial approval.

Commission delays officer elections until vacant seat is filled

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously agreed to strike the reorganization of its elected officers from the meeting's consent agenda. The delay was requested to ensure the board waits until the vacant seat — left open by former Commissioner Monte "Monty" Shadwick's resignation — is filled before electing a new chair and vice chair. The reorganization is expected to be placed back on the agenda in late May or early June once the new commissioner is officially seated.

Commission sets sights on holding mill levy for 2027 budget

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The commission held a preliminary discussion on 2027 budget priorities, with a consensus emerging to hold the county mill levy steady while fully funding internal departments. Debate during the meeting centered on balancing employee compensation — such as a potential cost-of-living adjustment currently under negotiation — against restoring capital line items for the road and bridge department that were reduced last year. A desire was also noted to scrutinize funding for outside agencies to prioritize the county's internal staff and core services.

New administrator pivots open PIO role to focus on grant writing

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The county's vacant public information officer position is being reevaluated to include a strong emphasis on grant writing, according to County Administrator Matt Stiles. Stiles told the commission he believes the county is currently leaving outside funding opportunities on the table and wants the revamped position to take the lead on securing federal and state funds while maintaining its community engagement and public education duties.

County accepts $319,000 in state highway funds

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved a 2026 Federal Fund Exchange Agreement, allowing the county to trade $354,721 in highly restricted federal transportation funds for $319,249 in state reimbursement dollars. County Engineer Justin Mader explained that while the county takes a 10 percent reduction in the exchange, the flexibility of the state funds is highly beneficial. The funds will be allocated to the county's asphalt maintenance program and approximately $17,000 will be used to hire a consultant for upcoming bridge inspections.

Health department renovation draws nine architectural bids

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — County Administrator Matt Stiles announced that the county received nine submissions in response to its architectural request for proposals for the Saline County Health Department's facility redesign. A review committee, which includes administration, health department staff and a community representative, has been formed to evaluate the proposals based on qualifications before reviewing fee schedules. Stiles expects to bring a formal recommendation to the commission by May 19.

Senior center prepares for renovations amid surging meal demand

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Senior Services Director Rosie Walter reported that renovations to the Saline County Senior Center, funded by a Community Development Block Grant, will officially begin May 4 following a finalized contract with a contractor. Walter highlighted surging demand for the county's food programs, noting that the department served 29,910 subsidized meals in the first quarter of the year, driven primarily by an average daily route of 313 Meals on Wheels deliveries.

County upgrades emergency mass notification system

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Saline County is rolling out a new emergency mass notification system to replace the county's existing CodeRED program, according to a quarterly update from Emergency Management Director Michelle Weis. Weis also updated the commission on upcoming full-scale mass casualty and reunification exercises and noted that local municipalities and rural fire districts are currently in talks regarding a potential consolidation of their fire departments.

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