Saline County previews 2026 budget as departments request millions in new spending

SALINA, Kan. — Saline County commissioners reviewed departmental budget requests May 20 during a study session that highlighted several large one-time and recurring increases across county operations as staff begin work on the 2026 county budget.

County staff listed multiple large requests and projected increases: about $800,000 for the general courthouse fund (computer equipment, insurance and radio maintenance); roughly $500,000 in non‑salary expenses from the sheriff's office (with salary-related pressures producing a larger $1.35 million personnel increase figure when overtime and other pay items are included); a $1 million increase in the road and bridge budget (about $890,000 of that tied to the department's equipment improvement plan); a roughly $300,000 rise in EMS costs so the county can resume purchasing an ambulance under its agreement with the City of Salina; and a $350,000 increase in the health department's budget, of which about $300,000 is shown in the packet as a projected bond payment if the commission moves forward with a new building.

"These are what folks have asked for, what folks feel like they need," County staff member Phil said while introducing the packet, adding the numbers are requests and not the county administrator's recommendation. "This is not the county administrator's recommendation, which you'll get July 1."

Why it matters

Commissioners and department heads emphasized the numbers will affect the county's levy planning and could require tradeoffs among programs, capital needs and outside allocations. The county also noted recent changes to state law that alter the schedule for budget submission and any required public hearing if the county exceeds the revenue neutral rate.

Highlights from departmental presentations

Health department: Jason and Candice presented a largely steady operational request with two main exceptions: a roughly $50,000 operational increase and a placeholder…