Public hearing held on proposed disorganization of Washington Township; decision set for June 2

The Saline County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing May 19 on a previously published resolution calling for the disorganization of Washington Township and the attachment of its territory to Smollett Township.

Deputy County Administrator Hannah Bet outlined the process and timeline, saying the commission signed the initial resolution April 7 and published required notices April 12 and April 19. She told the board the next step is a public hearing and that, unless a petition by a majority of Washington Township voters is filed within 30 days of the final publication, the commission could present a final disorganization resolution for adoption on June 2.

A member of the public who identified themselves with Northland of Salina urged commissioners to talk individually with residents in the affected area before finalizing a decision, saying “you need to talk to each individual that lives out there.” Bet and the chair said the township had received official publication and notice of the process but acknowledged outreach limitations and described the hearing as the formal opportunity to receive comment.

Commissioner (Speaker 4) asked whether a dissolved township could later reorganize. Commissioner (Speaker 2) responded that dissolution is permanent: once a township is dissolved its territory becomes part of the township to which it is attached, and Saline County has previously absorbed townships when they could no longer staff or levy for basic duties.

The commission closed the hearing after receiving the comments and indicated the matter will return for the commission’s consideration on June 2. No petition was filed at the meeting to halt the process.