SALINA, Kan. — Following a public hearing, Salina City Commissioners Monday approved amendments to the 2025 budget. The largest of these amendments are to the general fund, which will cover part of the over $1.2 million cost of clearing a log jam on the Smoky Hill River along with unexpected expenses related to retirement payouts and overtime expenses that were more than expected. It also includes additional spending authority for the special parks and recreation fund, the golf fund, and the workers compensation and health insurance funds.
On the subject of the log jam, it was reported that the removal project is very close to completion.
Following a second hearing, Commissioners approved amendments to boundaries of the Salina Downtown Redevelopment District to include the land where a new hotel and parking garage is proposed on South 7th and to include the Theatre Salina property. This makes both properties eligible for tax increment financing.
Commissioners denied a request Monday from the owner of the former Ambassador Hotel property on West Crawford for a reduction in landfill fees for the remaining debris on the site. The city had ordered demolition in 2024, and while the primary structure has been substantially removed, significant debris remains on site with no debris taken to the Salina Landfill since March 25.
Legal counsel for Andrea Investments LLC contacted the city late last month asking the city to consider reducing debris charges from the usual $96 a ton charged for demolition debris to the $48 a ton “secured” waste rate. Andrea Investments has continued to state plans for a re-development of the property, which is outside of this issue.
Commissioners approved adoption of the 2018 International Fire Code with local amendments. This code was not acted upon when other code revisions were adopted earlier this month because of a retroactive sprinkler requirement for certain occupancies where alcohol is served having more than 300 people capacity.
The local amendment will remove the retroactive provision for this for 2026, and put it in place starting in 2027. This change specifically impacts two venues, the former Masonic Temple and the Salina VFW Post.
A consulting contract to develop a strategic plan to address homelessness in Salina was approved. In September the city issued a request for proposals on this plan, with 12 proposals submitted. Following an evaluation and interviews with three firms that responded, a recommendation was presented to accept the proposal from SHG Advisors of Conifer, Colorado at a cost of $71,899, which will be funded from the Sales Tax Capital Fund.
The city has historically been involved with homeless activities through the Emerging Solutions Program, working through three existing full-time shelters and a fourth that operates seasonally along with other entities, and this plan would further coordinate services and address homeless issues in Salina.
Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing signing of a letter on behalf of Resilience Clubhouse for a property tax exemption on their facility at 1111 West South. Resilience Clubhouse is a membership organization that provides essential services to individuals impacted by serious mental illness. This includes such things as housing stability, employment, and social interaction.
It also approved a contract with Clark, Mize and Linville for contracted legal services. This firm has handled some legal services for the city in the past, and this will continue when Patrick Hoffman becomes the first full-time city attorney next month.
At the meeting’s end, Commissioner Dr. Trent Davis brought up an idea as to the situation that has developed since the US Mint stopped producing pennies, and practices of businesses related to rounding up the closest five cent increment. Dr. Davis has suggested local businesses come together and look at using rounded-up amounts to be donated to the United Way and similar organizations.
