Saline County approves 2026 budget with increased tax rate for funding challenges

The Saline County Commission convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss various updates and budgetary considerations for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with a report from Darren Fischel, the Road and Bridge Administrator, who provided an overview of maintenance activities conducted from May through June 2025.

Fischel reported the completion of spring dirt patch activities and repairs to the senior center parking lot. He noted the delivery of new pickup trucks, which were acquired by transferring service bodies onto new chassis, resulting in significant cost savings. The department also replaced or repaired 27 culverts, addressing issues identified through engineering inspections of the county's 6,500 culverts.

The report highlighted the impact of unusually wet weather this spring, which necessitated additional maintenance work, including cleaning bridge decks and managing debris around culverts. Fischel emphasized the importance of ongoing maintenance to ensure the functionality of the county's infrastructure.

Following the road and bridge update, County Administrator Philip Smith Haines presented the recommended budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which begins on January 1, 2026. Haines described the budget as "unpleasant," indicating that it does not fully meet all departmental funding requests. He proposed a tax rate increase of 1.459 mills, a decision made after careful consideration of revenue sources and expenses.

Haines explained that the budget includes a projected increase in non-property tax revenues and a transfer from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to help mitigate the tax increase. He noted that several departments have expressed intentions to appeal his recommendations, with two already having done so.

The budget discussion included specific allocations for various departments, with notable increases for the sheriff's office to cover overtime and inmate medical expenses. Haines acknowledged the challenges faced in managing the budget, particularly in light of rising costs associated with staffing and utilities.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from the commissioners, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing the county's financial planning and infrastructure needs. The commission will continue to refine the budget in the coming weeks, with further discussions expected as departments finalize their appeals.