Saline County plans to apply for $300,000 in grant funds to be used to support economic development and provide grants or loans for for-profit businesses to help businesses to retain employees.
During their regular Tuesday meeting, Saline County Commissioners authorized Chairman Robert Vidricksen to sign the documents necessary to complete the Community Development Block Grant application for coronavirus response funds, according to information provided by the county.
Commissioners also signed a resolution declaring a State of Local Public Health Emergency for Saline County. According to information from the county, this health emergency declaration will be in effect for 60 days. Having an emergency declaration in place allows for Saline County to obtain mutual aid and resources from the state as well adds protection of tort liability during the disaster period.
In other business:
•Commissioners approved an amendment to the food service agreement with Aladdin for food service at the senior center. The amendment will increase Aladdin's management fee by $1,139.84.
•Commissioners approved a request by Rosie Walter, Department of Senior Services director, the acceptance of two grants: $5,000 United Way grant to be used for the purchase of dry food commodities that would be delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients and a $5,000 Greater Salina Community Foundation grant to be used for the purchase of personal protective equipment. Additional private donations were received that will aid in the purchases of items, Walter told commissioners.
•Walter also provided her quarterly update. The remodeling of the bathrooms and kitchen at the senior center is still under way. Several of the fixtures were delayed due to the pandemic, she said. Walter hopes to move the kitchen operations back to the facility next week. The senior center will remain closed to the public but Meals on Wheels will continue to operate. Walter told commissioners that there has been a 33 percent increase in Meals on Wheels recipients due to the pandemic. Roughly 207 meals are delivered each day by volunteers.
•Julie Govert-Walter from the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging provided a brief overview of services and asked for $39,073 in 2021. She also provided information to the commissioners about roughly $38,000 that the area agency claims was not paid to their agency back in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and asked for the commission to consider paying the amount, according to information provided by the county. During those years the operation was run by the Saline County Commission on Aging, a non-profit organization, and was not a Saline County department.
•Greg Stephens with Salina Media Connection provided an update to commissioners about the new equipment and added capabilities the organization has incorporated. He asked the commission to continue with their $15,000 contribution.
•Diana Harden from the Saline County Conservation District provided their budget request of $21,768 and an additional $4,500 from the Oliver Hagg Scholarship fund to assist with their programs to protect and conserve natural resources.
•Eric Brown from the Salina Chamber of Commerce asked for the commission to continue its $35,000 contribution to support portions of their economic development efforts as well as the support for the chamber’s Military Affairs Council.
•Mitch Robinson from the Salina Community Economic Development Organization reported information about the growth in aviation projects over the past few years and asked for $30,000 for the organization's budget request.
•During his weekly update, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes offered a reminder of a special budget meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday to hear requests from department heads and elected officials. The meeting is scheduled to take place in the chamber's Visit Salina annex. He also provided an update on action taken by the Kansas legislature last week.
•Commissioner Mike White reported information from last week’s Salina/Saline County Building Authority meeting and the discussions concerning creating a tobacco free campus.