By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Salina Commissioners have approved the increase of the City Manager's purchasing authority for goods and services, following June's catastrophic storms.
City Manager Jacob Wood’s purchasing authority was up to $50,000 for bids on services, before it was approved to $200,000. This will last until December 31, 2026.
Wood stated this raise in purchasing authority is for the sake of tree limb removal and will be a one-time purchase. Many locations within the city experienced extensive damage, with Gypsum Hill Cemetery being one of the highlighted areas taking the most damage.
City staff took quotes for the cemetery's tree removal that resulted in upwards of $90,000.
Volunteers completed quality work across several areas, including the cemetery and Thomas Park.
Read more: Salina church partners with Missouri-based organization to provide disaster relief services
The cost of tree services will be tracked and submitted to Emergency Management for reimbursement from FEMA.
Any costs not reimbursed will be paid out of contingency funds in the City’s General Fund.
Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from outside companies to assist the city with tree limb pickup are slated to arrive on Friday, according to Wood.