Salina, KS — The Salina City Commission will discuss a proposed expansion of the existing Downtown Redevelopment District at its regular City Commission meeting on Monday at 4:00 PM at the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash St., Room 107. No final vote is scheduled at this meeting, but commissioners may provide direction or ask for clarifications.
Separately, a formal public hearing on the proposed expansion has been scheduled for December 22, 2025, at which the Commission may vote to approve or deny the expansion request.
What the Proposed Expansion Would Do
The resolution under consideration would add a new area, referred to as the TIF Expansion Area, to the existing Downtown Redevelopment District. This is allowed under Kansas Tax Increment Financing (TIF) law because the proposed expansion area had previously been designated as an enterprise zone prior to July 1, 1992.
Adding this area would not change tax rates. Instead, it would allow future increases in property tax revenue from this area—if property values rise due to redevelopment—to be used to help pay for project-related costs inside the district.
What TIF Can Pay For
Eligible uses within the district include:
- Public infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, utilities, drainage)
- Site preparation or environmental cleanup
- Redevelopment-related building improvements
- Shared parking facilities or public-use structures
What the Expansion Does Not Do
- Does not raise property tax rates.
- Does not approve or authorize any specific development projects.
- Does not change zoning, land use, or permitted activities.
- Does not automatically spend funds — each project still requires separate approval.
This proposal strictly concerns where TIF tools may be applied, not how they will be used.
Where to Review Maps and Legal Descriptions
Residents can review the boundary maps, parcel listings, and full legal descriptions in the City Clerk’s Office (Room 206) during normal business hours. These exhibits show:
- Current TIF district boundaries
- The proposed expansion area
- All affected parcels
Public Input Process and Next Steps
- Informational Discussion: Monday at 4:00 PM — City Commission Chambers.
- Formal Public Hearing: December 22, 2025 — Same location.
- After the public hearing, the Commission may vote to approve, modify, or deny the expansion.
The City Clerk will mail notices to affected taxing jurisdictions, impacted property owners, and publish legal notice in the official newspaper as required.
Note for Residents
This Monday’s 4:00 PM meeting is the first opportunity to listen to the discussion and understand the details.
The December 22 hearing is the formal opportunity to speak or submit public comment before a decision is made.