Saline County Commission Adopts 2027 Budget, Exceeds Revenue Neutral Rate

The Saline County Commission approved its 2027 budget and voted to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate following public hearings on September 1.

During the revenue neutral rate hearing, the commission adopted Resolution 26-2453 by a unanimous roll-call vote, followed by adoption of the county and special district budgets. County Administrator Matt Stiles noted the county spent roughly $80 million total across its budgets, and observed that only seven members of the public attended the budget hearings.

The budget includes outside agency funding totaling $285,834 in requests, supporting organizations such as CAPS, the Conservation District, City of Salina, Court Services, Farm Bureau Waste Tire, Connections, North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, OCCK, Safe Families for Children, Salina Grace, the Department of Senior Services, and United Way. Stiles said funding for North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging was reallocated, and appealing agencies Safe Families and United Way were re-funded.

Several residents spoke during the public hearing. A resident identified as Doug Petty of New Cambria questioned how the commission justified raising taxes, saying his appraisal value went up $18,000 this year, and that he received notices with differing percentage rates a week apart. Commissioners advised him to contact the county appraiser and pursue an appeal.

Another resident, Joan Ratzlaff of Salina, spoke in favor of exceeding the rate, saying real estate taxes in comparable properties out of state and out of county were generally higher than Saline County's, and that she would like to see county departments better supported when they request additional staff. 

Stiles said the budget process was challenging as staff were onboarding at the same time, and indicated the process may be reshaped next year.