Salina, KS — As the City of Salina works through its 2026 budget planning, a projected general fund deficit of $640,000 is driving careful review of departmental and agency funding. Among those affected is Salina Grace, a local nonprofit currently proposed to receive $90,000 in city funding for 2026, equal to its 2025 allocation. Final funding decisions have not yet been made.
Finance Director Debbie Pack presented the preliminary budget during a recent City Commission study session. Of the $640,000 projected deficit, $620,000 is attributed to one-time expenses, including $500,000 for a comprehensive development plan and $120,000 for continued work on the Ninth Street Island medians.
“You can see of that $640,000 deficit, $620,000 of that is one-time cost,” Pack told commissioners.
Salina Grace Funding Overview
2022: $45,000
2023: $60,000
2024: $75,000
2025: $90,000
2026: Proposed at $90,000
Client Services and Demographics
Salina Grace Served
571 clients in 2022
682 in 2023
622 in 2024
In 2023, the organization reported 2,704 shelter nights and 16,000 meals served. In 2024, shelter nights totaled 2,246.
Demographic data from 2024 shows that 68 percent of those served were Salina residents, while over 30 percent came from out of town, either referred by agencies from surrounding cities along I-70 or arriving independently.
Upcoming Budget Hearing
The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the 2026 budget on August 11, 2025. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to speak directly to commissioners about the budget and proposed allocations. It will be at 4 PM in Room 107 of the City/County Building.