By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Salina Commissioners approved a project total of $200,000 that would be used to repaint approximately 465 fire hydrants across the city.
According to the city, many of the hydrants are showing significant wear, including faded and chipped paint and rusting in areas where the protective coating has deteriorated.
These conditions not only affect appearance of the hydrants but, more critically, may hamper their mechanical functionality and visibility during emergency situations.
An inspection was conducted in the summer of 2024 by the city's utilities staff to categorize the hydrants based on their physical condition. After collecting and verifying that data, the city prioritized which fire hydrants needed new coating systems based on their current coating/corrosion conditions.
The project area includes the following parks:
Centennial, Oakdale, Indian Rock, Salina Municipal Golf Course and Jerry Ivey, as well as the Salina Soccer Complex. Also included is the northwest portion of the City.
The city accepted a bid from Wildcat Painting, Inc. that proposed a $430.00 bid for the repainting of each of the 465 fire hydrants.
Wildcat Painting, Inc. anticipates beginning work in the Spring of 2026, with a completion date by October 15th, 2026.
The city added that painting operations are difficult during the colder months, due to the coating system’s temperature requirements.