Saline County adopts resolution to exceed revenue-neutral rate for 2026 budget

The Saline County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9 adopted Resolution 25-24-34 to set a 2026 mill levy above the county's revenue-neutral rate following a public hearing and commission vote.

County Administrator Philip Smith told commissioners the revenue-neutral rate for Saline County for 2026 was calculated at 39.323 mills and that the proposed budget uses a levy of 40.167 mills, triggering the required public hearing. "Jurisdictions that feel that they need to collect more in revenue are required to have a revenue-neutral rate hearing and adopt a resolution," Smith said.

The hearing drew two members of the public who asked questions about budget drivers and road maintenance. Anita Chase, representing the Land Institute in Salina, asked where the increases were coming from and whether further property-tax increases were anticipated. Smith said raises for county employees were one of the larger cost drivers and that future increases are decided year to year: "If we have large valuation increases, that tends to keep the mill levy lower. If we have pretty small valuation increases, the mill levy could increase depending on how much the commission wishes to expend in the succeeding year." Tom Pestinger of East North Street urged the county to reduce the frequency of road grading to save money.

After the public hearing, a motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution 25-24-34. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote: Commissioners Sparks, Shadwick, Grievous, Weese and Hay each voted aye. The motion carried and the resolution was adopted.

The resolution authorizes the county to collect property taxes at the higher levy for the 2026 budget year. Smith explained the mill levy applies to multiple property classes (residential, vacant lots and agricultural property use values) and that the county clerk performs the calculations used to determine the revenue-neutral rate.

No further action was taken at the meeting on where specific additional revenues will be allocated; Smith encouraged public review of the budget documents available online and in the county offices.

The commission continued with other agenda items after adopting the resolution.