The Salina City Commission voted 5-0 to temporarily increase the city manager’s purchasing authority to allow up to $200,000 in tree trimming and removal services related to the June 8, 2026 storm.

The action applies only to tree services connected to storm cleanup and runs through Dec. 31, 2026. Commissioners clarified before the vote that the $200,000 limit is an aggregate amount, not a per-contract limit.

The request came after city staff reported widespread tree damage across Salina, including major damage at Gypsum Hill Cemetery and several parks. Staff said the city is currently dealing with tree cleanup at about 26 park locations.

According to the city manager, the cemetery was one of the hardest-hit areas. Initial quotes for tree removal at the cemetery ranged from $90,000 to more than $200,000. The city manager said he did not feel he had authority under the city’s normal purchasing policy to approve a contract of that size on his own.

He explained that his standard purchasing authority is $50,000. While the city manager also has emergency purchasing authority, he said that authority is meant for life and safety situations. Once the cemetery was closed to the public, he said he did not believe the work met that emergency threshold.

The temporary authority allows the city manager to move forward more quickly after receiving sealed bids for tree removal work, rather than waiting several weeks for a regular commission meeting.

City staff said the goal is to focus on the largest and most difficult trees across the city’s park system, including trees that are too large for city crews or city equipment to handle efficiently.

Thomas Park and Gypsum Hill Cemetery were described as among the worst-hit locations for large trees. Staff also said the south side of Lakewood Park remains closed to the public, while Thomas Park is also closed. Gypsum Hill Cemetery has reopened, but large trees remain to be addressed.

The city manager said the city originally received three quotes but wanted a broader, more competitive process. He said the city had issued requests for proposals and intended to use a short turnaround.

Public comment on the item focused on cleanup speed, transparency, city staffing, use of volunteers, and whether the city should approve the spending authority without a separate public review of the bids.

One resident questioned why the city could not handle more of the work internally, arguing that the city has equipment and staff capable of tree removal. The city manager responded that while city crews could do the work, it could take until Thanksgiving because of the amount of damage and other responsibilities across the park system.

Another resident opposed giving the city manager additional authority, saying the commission should hold a special meeting once bids are received so the public can see the proposals, costs, evaluation process, and contractor selection before a decision is made.

Several speakers also raised concerns about the pace of cleanup at Gypsum Hill Cemetery compared to Oakdale Park following the storm. Some residents said volunteers played a major role in reopening portions of the cemetery and helping make funeral services possible.

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the volunteer response. Arc Church and Convoy of Hope were specifically mentioned for bringing more than 80 volunteers to help with chainsaw work and cleanup. Commissioners said those volunteers made a significant difference at the cemetery and in other damaged areas.

Some residents supported getting the parks and cemetery cleaned up but questioned whether the city should rely more heavily on community resources, volunteer labor, or other programs. One speaker said the city should document volunteer work and equipment use in case it can help with potential reimbursement or emergency assistance.

During commission discussion, some commissioners said waiting for another regular meeting could delay the reopening of public spaces. Staff said the longer the process takes, the longer areas such as Lakewood Park and Thomas Park may remain closed.

Commissioners also discussed the danger of damaged trees and hanging limbs left behind after the storm. One commissioner said weakened limbs could come down later, especially during future storms, creating hidden hazards for the public and for workers.

Another commissioner said large tree removal can take significant effort and carries real safety risks, especially when chainsaws, heavy limbs, hollow trees, and possible hidden objects inside trees are involved.

The city manager also emphasized that the city would not split the work into multiple smaller contracts to avoid purchasing limits, saying that would violate city purchasing policy. Commissioners then adjusted the motion language to make clear that the $200,000 limit applies as a total amount.

The final motion authorized a temporary increase in the city manager’s purchasing authority to $200,000 for tree services related to the June 8 storm through Dec. 31, 2026.

After the vote, commissioners asked whether the RFP results would be posted online. Staff said those results would be shared.