SALINA — The Salina Public Library will hold its public hearing to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and its 2026 budget hearing on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. at the Salina Public Library, 301 W. Elm Street. The public is invited to attend and provide input.
Revenue Neutral Rate
The revenue-neutral rate is the property tax rate that would generate the same total revenue as the previous year based on the current year’s assessed valuation. The Library’s notice states the proposed tax rate exceeds the revenue neutral rate.
- 2025 assessed valuation: $547,710,231
- 2024 assessed valuation: $541,238,681
Proposed 2026 Budget and Estimated Mill Rates
- General Fund: $3,207,600 budgeted, 4.779 mills estimated
- Employee Benefits: $672,000 budgeted, 0.936 mills estimated
- Debt Service: $0 budgeted
- Total proposed library levy: 5.715 mills
Important clarification: 5.715 mills applies only to the Salina Public Library portion of a property tax bill. It does not represent the total tax rate from all taxing entities.
Financial Summary
- Total transfers: $60,000
- Net Budget Authority for Expenditures: $3,819,600
Tax Rate Change
The Salina Public Library’s total mill levy for 2025 is 5.595 mills. The proposed 2026 budget would increase that rate to 5.715 mills, an increase of 0.12 mills.
How to Participate and Provide Feedback
Library Director Melanie Hedgespeth encouraged year-round public engagement, not only during hearings.
“For the Salina Public Library Board, as with many others, public comment or discussion is welcomed during board meetings,” Hedgespeth said. “If attending in person is not possible, there are additional ways to participate. Meeting agendas and minutes are publicly posted for all boards and commissions on the City of Salina’s website.”
Comments and questions to the Library Board may be sent to splboard@salinapublic.org. Community members may also contact Library Director Melanie Hedgespeth at director@salinapublic.org, or Assistant Library Director Amy Adams at assistant.director@salinapublic.org, to share feedback or schedule a meeting.
“The Library is open seven days a week, and appointments can be arranged with the directors to ensure community voices are heard and considered,” Hedgespeth said.
Additional public feedback options are available at salinapubliclibrary.org/about-us/public-feedback/.
For hearing details, contact the Salina Public Library at (785) 825-4624.
