Saline County Commissioners today signed a resolution that will impose a one-half percent sales tax to pay for the new county jail.
The sales tax, set to go into effect on April 1, 2021, was approved by Saline County voters Nov. 3. According to information from the county, the resolution and certified election results need to be forwarded to the state no later than 90 days before the sales tax is to be implemented.
Additionally, commissioners approved having TreanorHL and Turner Construction move forward with post-bond services for design and construction of the facility. County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes told commissioners that if a site could be secured within the next few months, the design could be completed by the summer of 2021, with construction bid out in the fall and facility completed by 2023.
Commissioners also heard from Loralee Tibbetts, deputy health department director, about the COVID-19 situation in the county. Tibbetts told commissioners that the county has recorded 504 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last two weeks. The presentation concluded with the recommendation that the county's mask mandate remain in place for at least another two weeks.
Additionally, commissioners agreed to conduct a special public meeting on Friday to further review the county's COVID-19 situation and consider additional restrictions, according to information from the county. The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.
Other business during the county commission meeting included the following, according to information from the county.
Marilyn Leamer, human resources director presented three requests for action concerning the county’s medical and dental plans. The renewal for 2021 resulted in no increase for employees or the county. An amendment to the health plan also includes continued access to telemedicine. Commissioners approved all three requests and signed appropriate agreements.
Commissioners also heard department updates from human resources and the livestock and expo center.