Saline County hears nonprofit funding requests and program updates from OCCK, Solana CEDO, Tri Rivers Fair, NCRPC, area agency on aging and Celina Grace

Several nonprofits and regional partners briefed the Saline County commission on May 6 about services, budgets and funding requests for 2026. Presenters included OCCK (community services and transportation), Solana Community Economic Development Organization (CEDO), the Tri Rivers Fair Association, the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC), the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Celina Grace (homeless services). Commissioners heard program updates and were asked to consider funding requests as part of the county27s annual budget process.

OCCK (Oklahoma-based regional service provider; presenter: Sheila Nelson Stout) outlined transportation and home- and community-based services. Stout said OCCK served more than 5,000 people systemwide last year, provided services to about 1,600 people in Saline County and recorded more than 282,000 rides systemwide; she said county funds have historically supported assistive-technology services, Alzheimer27s supports, information and referral, and transportation. When asked about the county contribution, Stout replied, "224, the same amount," (transcript) which the presentation did not further specify in dollars in the record. OCCK staff said they did not request an increase this year and emphasized efforts to stretch funding and seek alternatives.

Solana Community Economic Development Organization (presenter: Mitch Robinson) reviewed a 10-year history, recent strategic planning and economic-development activity tied to new housing and employers. Robinson said the organization27s current operating budget includes city and county sponsorships and private investment; he requested an increased county contribution of $51,003.75 to expand marketing and workforce outreach and support salaries. Robinson described a return-on-investment estimate that the group calculated as roughly $244 of community investment returned for each dollar contributed to the organization, but he also acknowledged the figure is heavily influenced by large capital projects in the county.

The Tri Rivers Fair Association (presenter: Eric Blimpquist) requested $25,000 from the county and indicated an additional $10,000 would be helpful to cover rising operating costs after losing arena-generated revenue (carnival and demo-derby receipts). Blimpquist said standard operating costs for the fair are roughly $46,000 and highlighted rising insurance and trash-service expenses.

North Central Regional Planning Commission executive director Deborah O27Dell described NCRPC operations and funding: the commission has a total organizational budget around $8 million with an operating budget near $2 million and uses dues (Saline County dues noted as $4,000) as local match for federal planning-partnership grants. O27Dell said the regional planning commission provides grant and project development support, housing weatherization programs, and business finance assistance to member cities and counties.

The North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (presenter: Julie Gover Walter) requested $41,102 for fiscal 2026 and described services for older Kansans in 18 counties, including Saline County: Information and referral, in-home supports, volunteer programs such as foster grandparents, meals and a Senior Health Insurance Counseling program. Volunteer counselor Archie Riggs reported last year27s Medicare Part D assistance saved Saline County residents about $108,078 in drug-plan costs according to his figure reported to the board.

Celina Grace (presenter: Chad Young) reported shelter and outreach outcomes and asked the county to continue prior funding (the organization requested $15,000 from the county for security and operations). Young said Celina Grace provided winter shelter to 30 people (26 adults and 4 children) this winter, operated a Community Resource Center that served 643 individuals and provided more than 16,000 meals last year (about 13,000 hot lunches and 3,000 breakfasts). Young described a funding mix: Celina Grace27s budget was about $550,000 this year and is projected at $600,000 next year; public funding comprised roughly 25% ($15,000 county, $90,000 city, $36,000 HUD), foundations contributed about 25%, and the remainder came from private individuals, businesses and churches. Young noted the rescue mission is a separate organization funded almost entirely by private donations and that many shelter and outreach donations (clothing, basics) support operations.

Commissioners acknowledged the requests and repeatedly noted county budget constraints. One commissioner reminded presenters the county had asked departments to pursue a 2% reduction in expenditures. Staff indicated they would compile the requests and present them during the county27s budget deliberations.

No formal funding decisions were made at the May 6 meeting; commissioners will consider the requests in upcoming budget sessions.