Salina Draft Budget Proposes 1-Mill Property Tax Increase Despite Higher Valuations

The City of Salina's proposed 2027 budget calls for a one-mill increase in the city's property tax rate, even as the city's assessed valuation continues to climb.

The 2027 draft budget proposes a city levy of 29.568 mills, up from 28.568 mills in the 2026 budget. The city's budgetary assessed valuation is projected at approximately $570.9 million.

According to the city's budget example, a home valued at $174,000 would generate approximately $591.66 per year in city property taxes under the proposed levy.

City property and motor vehicle tax revenue is projected at approximately $18.21 million in 2027, compared with about $17.66 million budgeted for 2026.

The proposal comes as the city also expects to draw down some General Fund reserves. The draft does not add new city positions, with staffing remaining at 520 employees.

The proposal is not yet the city's final 2027 budget. The document released by the city is labeled as a draft and remains subject to changes and final action by the Salina City Commission.