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Commissioners discuss possible countywide plastic bag ban and property-tax pressure from nontaxed property
Summary
Commissioners asked staff to research options for a countywide plastic bag ban (noting possible need to coordinate with the City of Salina) and discussed the challenge that a large share of property in Saline County is exempt from property tax.
During commissioner comments on June 10, members discussed whether Saline County could pursue a countywide ban on plastic shopping bags and highlighted budget pressure created by large shares of property exempt from taxation.
One commissioner asked county administration to research what it would take for the county to implement a plastic bag ban, noting visible litter along ditches and stating several other Kansas communities have considered or adopted bag restrictions. Philip Smith Haines, county administrator, said he had not researched the issue and recommended coordinating with the City of Salina because the city runs the landfill and is a major generator of bags; he offered to review the county’s legal options.
In a separate comment, a commissioner said radio appearances about the budget highlighted that about 36% of property in Saline County is not taxed (for example, nonprofit or exempt properties), creating financial pressure for the taxable share of property owners when setting the mill levy. Commissioners noted the statutory basis for property tax exemptions is state law, and discussion focused on the challenge rather than specific policy changes.
No formal action was taken; staff was asked to research the plastic bag question and to report back on legal options and coordination possibilities with the city.
