The Saline County Commission approved nearly $1 million in budget reductions for the proposed 2026 fiscal year during their August 12 meeting, responding to concerns raised by citizens at previous commission meetings.
County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes presented revised budget recommendations that cut $976,357 from his July 1st proposed county budget. The reductions lower the proposed mill levy from an initially higher rate to 40.167, which is slightly above the current mill levy of 40.112.
"That would be an impact of $1.26 annually for a $200,000 value home," Smith-Hanes explained to the commission.
The approved budget cuts include several reductions that were not previously discussed at the commission's Friday, August 8 study session:
- Reduced spending on SS5 road rock at Road and Bridge Department.
- Reduced funding for a City of Salina ambulance by $14,000, adjusting from $303,000 to $289,000.
- Eliminated $10,000 for tuition reimbursement in the employee benefits fund.
- Dropped membership in several organizations and moved to a lower level of dues for the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, matching the city's $2,000 contribution level.
- Maintained flat funding for the Salina Economic Development Organization rather than providing an increase.
- Reduced the appraiser's office vehicle mileage budget by $1,000.
- Decreased transfer to debt service based on available cash.
The commission did restore some funding that had been previously cut, including $10,000 each for Salina Grace, the Salina Area United Way for child care, and the Saline County Farm Bureau for tire disposal.
Multiple citizens addressed the commission during the meeting to express appreciation for the budget reconsideration.
"It's just gratifying as a Saline County resident to know that if we show up and express some concerns that you listen and you at least take those into consideration," said Linda Salem, who had spoken at a previous meeting about cuts to funding for Salina Grace.
The commission voted unanimously to approve the revised budget recommendations.
In related business, the commission also decided to accept a budget appeal from the County Clerk's office for an additional position in elections while denying an appeal from Human Resources for a payroll position. That motion passed by a 3-2 vote.
According to County Administrator Smith-Hanes, the Revenue Neutral Rate notices or estimated tax notices were mailed to residents on August 7.
