Saline County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to deny a request for industrial revenue bonds to finance construction of an agriculture-related retail business just south of Salina.
The business is considering building on South Ninth Street, just south of the Salina city limits, according to information provided by the county. The county’s policy on tax abatements contains six factors to be considered that are all centered around determining the economic benefit of the project. While the commissioners showed enthusiasm for this business to come to Saline County and expressed hope that the project moves forward, they voted to deny the request to issue the bonds.
In other business:
Commissioners heard a presentation concerning the Coronavirus Relief Funds that Saline County is slated to receive from the State of Kansas. $11,026,434 is what Saline County can expect to use for any expenses that were associated with the response and mitigation of the public health emergency. These funds are to be shared with municipalities and school districts but can also be used by the county. READ: County seeks advisors for fund disbursements
During his weekly update County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes told commissioners that the county would switch its insurance from Travelers to OneBeacon, which came in $6,611 lower than last year's Travelers premiums. In total, insurance premiums through OneBeacon will be $281,912, the county information noted.
Smith-Hanes told commissioners that because Governor Laura Kelly's executive order mandating mask wearing will not be available until Thursday, there will be challenges with making local decisions without first viewing the order, which is set to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
Additionally, Smith-Hanes updated commissioners on the COVID-19 situation at the Saline County Jail. He said that Sheriff Roger Soldan and County Health Officer Jason Tiller are working closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding the positive COVID-19 case in the Saline County Jail. They are coordinating testing of contacts. READ: SC Jail inmates, corrections officers to be tested for COVID-19
Smith-Hanes also informed the commissioners that a team from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department received first place in a friendly competition called "Build a Better Mouse Trap." Staff needed an effective way to clean out low concrete box culverts, so the enlisted the help of a local manufacturer and spent $4,000 building an attachment to a skid loader. This allows them to clean out debris and allows for free passage of water to avoid damage to roadways and private property. The team was recognized with lunch, new safety vests, and a plaque by the Kansas Local Technical Assistance Program staff.
Commissioners also heard a budget appeal from Marilyn Leamer, human resources director. In the recommended budget, the county administrator denied the request for an additional staff member for human resources. Leamer provided the commission with additional information regarding her request, citing the last time staff changes occurred for the office was in 2008. Since that time, 50 positions have been added, the payroll for election workers and rural firefighters has been added, and there were the recommended additional 10 positions already in the 2021 budget that create a need for additional assistance. Saline County averages 51 new hires each year at many different intervals. Commissioners will make their recommendations next week regarding this appeal.
Commissioners had conversations about the proposed 2021 budget. They asked several questions of the county administrator on particular line items. Next week, commissioners will make their final decisions on allocations and department budgets.
Commissioners also met in executive session for attorney/client privilege.