Caterer licenses, downtown business fees, and employee pay raises highlight busy agenda
The Salina City Commission will tackle several fee adjustments and major infrastructure projects at Sunday's meeting, including the establishment of new caterer licensing fees and approval of a significant downtown parking lot renovation.
New Caterer License Fee Established
Commissioners will vote on Resolution 25-8306, establishing a $500 biennial fee for caterer licenses. This follows the June adoption of revised alcoholic beverage regulations that created new requirements for businesses offering catering services with alcohol on unlicensed premises.
"It is unlawful for any person licensed by the state as a caterer to offer for sale, sell and serve cereal malt beverage, enhanced cereal malt beverage, or alcoholic liquor for consumption on unlicensed premises...without having in such person's possession a valid, unexpired and unrevoked caterer's license issued by the city," according to the ordinance.
The fee would take effect September 1, 2025, and applies to caterers already licensed by the state who want to serve alcohol at events within city limits.
Downtown Business Fees Remain Flat
Despite inflationary pressures, the Business Improvement District (BID) board recommended maintaining current fee levels for 2026—a 0% increase for the second consecutive year.
The BID system, in place since 1983, funds downtown marketing and advocacy through mandatory fees on businesses in three districts:
- Santa Fe District: $317.20 base fee plus $13.52 per front foot, maximum $1,885
- Employment District: $188.50 base fee plus worker-based charges, maximum $1,881
- Hospital/Mill District: $124.80 base fee plus worker-based charges, maximum $1,291
The unchanged rates come despite the BID receiving increased city support, with total funding rising from $430,000 in 2025 to $465,000 in 2026 when including operational supplements, façade grants, and Community Improvement District sales tax revenue.
Employee Pay Raises Approved
The commission will adopt a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for all city employees effective January 1, 2026, plus merit increases up to 2% for those not at their pay grade maximum. The total fiscal impact is estimated at $723,600, with $580,000 affecting the general fund.
Human Resources Director Natalie Fischer noted one significant change: converting a Building Inspector III/Plans Examiner position to a dedicated Plans Examiner role with higher qualifications and a one-grade pay increase.
Major Parking Lot Project Gets Green Light
Commissioners are expected to approve awarding the Temple Parking Lot reconstruction to APAC-Kansas Inc. for $341,961—approximately $40,000 under the engineer's estimate.
The comprehensive project between South Street and Mulberry Street will include:
- 2-inch mill and asphalt overlay with full-depth replacement in failed areas
- Installation of decorative planter boxes with landscaping
- Six new light poles for evening safety
- Reconstruction of concrete entrances and Santa Fe Avenue sidewalk
- New curb, gutter, and drainage improvements
- 100 total parking spaces including 4 ADA-accessible spaces
Combined with previously approved lighting work costing $65,466, the total project cost reaches approximately $407,000, funded from the Fieldhouse Off-site Parking Account.
Citizen Board Appointments
The commission will also approve Resolution 25-8305 appointing new members to various citizen boards and committees. The resolution also corrects a term discrepancy for a Human Relations Commission liaison to the Law Enforcement Citizen Review Board.
Fire Station Progress Update
Fire Chief Shane Pearson provided a construction update on the new Fire Station #4, noting "a flurry of activity" with framing, concrete work, and preparations for plumbing and electrical installations well underway. The station, addressed on Crawford Street with public entrance on the southwest corner, is progressing toward completion.
The department has also taken delivery of new fire apparatus, including matching "twin" engines now in service at stations 1 and 2, and a new ladder truck that has already performed two rescue operations since delivery.
Sunday's meeting demonstrates Salina's continued focus on infrastructure investment and downtown development while managing fee structures that support both business operations and city services. The commission continues balancing growth needs with fiscal responsibility across multiple municipal functions.
The meeting begins at the City Commission Meeting Room in the McPherson Municipal Center, with routine administrative items preceding the major agenda topics.
