Breaking: Commissioner Rempp Says City Leaders Have “Failed the Community” Over Salina Water Problems

Salina City Commissioner Doug Rempp issued a sharp public statement Wednesday, calling Salina’s ongoing water quality concerns “100% unacceptable” and demanding the city place basic services ahead of other projects.

Rempp, who joined the commission in January, said he does not believe the other commissioners are primarily responsible for the issue. Instead, he pointed to what he described as a breakdown in city leadership and agenda priorities.

“The City or City Manager sets the agenda for Commission Meetings,” Rempp wrote. “Commissioners have influence on the agenda for sure, but we have to be aware of the problem.”

Rempp said residents have reported asking for help for years, while the commission has spent time this year on items he believes should not have taken priority over water concerns.

“During the meetings this year we have spent hours renaming a park, or naming a dog park, or approving putting back up the Historic HD Lee signage that was on top of the old Mills downtown,” Rempp wrote. “We have spent time on many other issues that do not seem like the best use of our time.”

Rempp said the issue comes down to priorities.

“Now a big issue like Clean Water has not been on any agenda,” he wrote. “The people say they have been asking for help for years. Where is the breakdown of leadership. Where are our priorities.”

The comments come ahead of a special City Commission study session scheduled for July 1 to discuss water quality concerns. Rempp said he requested the special meeting and believes the city must move urgently to address the problem.

“We talk about Art, we talk about the RR project, we talk about fluff things while residents can't use the water coming out of the faucet,” Rempp wrote. “100% Unacceptable.”

Rempp also criticized department heads and city leadership, saying some well-paid employees have failed the community.

“We have well paid dept heads and leaders that have failed the community,” he wrote. “They will not like me saying that, but tell me I'm lying. Where does the buck stop.”

Rempp said he believes some city employees should not receive pay raises, arguing that key officials make significantly more than average residents while basic services remain unresolved.

“I have been vocal in saying that I believe we have employees that should get no raise in pay,” Rempp wrote. “We have key people that make 4-5 times or more than the average citizen and they are failing us.”

Rempp called for the city to halt or reconsider spending on other projects until acceptable water service is restored for all residents.

“Not another dime should be spent on special interest projects until every citizen receives acceptable City Services,” he wrote.

He specifically mentioned roundabout projects, the Smoky Hill River Renewal project, the animal shelter and Cozy Inn-related spending as areas he believes should be paused or reconsidered.

“Halt the roundabout projects that may be needed decades down the road,” Rempp wrote. “If we have money sitting in a jar for the RR project, pull out whatever funds are needed to fund water lines that are not full of corrosion.”

Rempp also said he believes the city can find funding to address the issue without raising property taxes.

“We find the money to fix this starting now,” he wrote. “And I believe that can be done without raising property taxes.”

In closing, Rempp called on fellow commissioners to act with urgency.

“Fellow Commissioners, we work for the People,” Rempp wrote. “If we fail to address this with urgency, we fail the people and should be terminated!”

The special study session is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, in Room 107 of the City/County Building at 300 W. Ash Street.