County considers exiting regional library system to retain local tax dollars

Wichita firm selected to design health department remodel

Officials weigh relocation of Court Services from costly facility

Commission approves $640,000 bid for summer chip seal project

In-house 'Lego block' culverts save taxpayer funds on rural roads

Public hearing advances plan to disorganize Washington Township

County considers exiting regional library system to retain local tax dollars

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The Saline County Board of Commissioners is exploring a potential withdrawal from the Central Kansas Library System to retain local tax dollars. During County Administrator Matt Stiles' update, officials noted that Saline County currently receives only about 30 cents in value for every dollar its taxpayers contribute to the regional system. If the county eventually pulls out, commissioners would levy the library tax locally to directly fund the Salina Public Library and Gypsum Public Library, a move intended to keep funds within the county and improve local board representation without increasing the net tax rate.

Wichita firm selected to design health department remodel

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved hiring Wichita architectural firm Tessere for the Saline County Health Department's renovation at its Prescott location. Tessere was chosen from nine applicants by a selection committee, with design and schematic fees totaling approximately $94,700 to be paid from the department's capital improvement fund. While some commissioners inquired about viewing all submitted bids to compare costs, health department director Jason Tiller assured the board that the selected firm demonstrated the best understanding of the county's vision and budget, aiming to optimize the space for both current operations and future county department relocations.

Officials weigh relocation of Court Services from costly facility

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — County officials are exploring long-term relocation options for Court Services, which currently operates out of a deteriorating facility attached to the former county jail. Citing recurring heating, ventilation and air conditioning issues and the overall poor condition of the aging structure, administrators indicated that a long-term master plan envisions moving the department back into the City-County Building. The move would centralize criminal justice operations and eliminate the ongoing maintenance costs of the older building.

Commission approves $640,000 bid for summer chip seal project

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Local infrastructure received a boost as the commission unanimously approved a $640,036 bid from Knight Trucking for the county's 2026 bituminous chip seal project. County engineer Justin Mader presented the bid, which was chosen from a pool of four applicants. The road surface work will be funded from the county's $1.6 million contractual asphalt work budget, which also covers asphalt overlays, crack sealing and aggregate shouldering throughout the year.

In-house 'Lego block' culverts save taxpayer funds on rural roads

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Road and bridge administrator Darren Fishel provided a bimonthly update, highlighting the department's use of locally fabricated "Lego block" box culverts as a highly durable, low-cost alternative to cast-in-place concrete for low-traffic rural roads. During the update, county engineer Justin Mader also addressed ongoing delays with the Ohio Street elevation project, noting that rain and contractor scheduling have pushed the estimated completion date to mid-to-late summer.

Public hearing advances plan to disorganize Washington Township

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners held a public hearing regarding the disorganization of Washington Township and its proposed territorial merger with Smolan Township. The consolidation effort comes after years of difficulty finding residents willing to serve on the Washington Township board or manage its budget. Barring a protest petition filed by a majority of the township's voters within 30 days, the commission is scheduled to adopt a final disorganization resolution on June 2.

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