Salina City Commissioner Doug Rempp released five takeaways from Monday’s City Commission meeting, addressing the appointment of Gary Norris, the 2027 budget and mill levy, downtown service fees, Salina Destination Development and the proposed annexation of property near Great Plains Manufacturing.

Rempp’s comments follow a meeting that included the formal appointment of Norris to the commission and approval of the city’s 2027 budget above the revenue-neutral property tax rate. Rempp was the lone commissioner to vote against the budget actions.

Gary Norris and Public Comment

Rempp first addressed Norris joining the commission and his own previous vote against Norris during the initial selection process.

“While I did not vote for Gary initially, (the 11 second process) out of respect for my nominee, Mondays action was just a formality,” Rempp wrote.

Norris was initially selected Aug. 24 on a 3-1 vote, with Rempp voting no. Because Norris received the required three votes on the first nomination considered, commissioners did not proceed to votes on the other nominees.

Rempp also addressed concerns surrounding conduct during recent City Commission meetings and the future of the public forum.

“Perhaps a rough start for Gary in the views of many, all I can say is I have been there. I commented on the need for more civility in my update a few weeks back as I saw the writing on the wall. I think most of us can agree that attire or actions were getting carried away.”

Rempp said his preference is for the public forum to remain.

“I want to see the Forum continue with civility!”

The commission directed city staff Monday to examine public participation policies used by other communities following concerns about conduct at recent meetings.

2027 Budget and Mill Levy

Rempp next addressed the 2027 city budget and property tax levy.

“Mil Levy and 2027 Budget, as most of you know, I was the only no vote. I can't count how many times in my adult life that I have had to make tough decisions regarding budgets. I/we see many opportunities to be more frugal, and spending or putting a lot of money aside for wants, vs needs.”

The City Commission approved a 2027 mill levy of 29.568 mills, one mill above the current 28.568-mill rate and above the revenue-neutral rate of 27.526 mills. Rempp was the lone dissenting vote.

During Monday’s meeting, Rempp also questioned whether the city should reconsider $5 million previously transferred from the general fund and set aside for the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. City Manager Jacob Wood said the money has not yet been spent and could be returned to the general fund through future commission action.

Downtown Service Fees

Rempp said he believes the city’s downtown service fee structure needs additional review.

“Downtown Service Fees need to be tweaked IMO. The Commission felt the same overall and this Fee Schedule is going to be looked at in more detail before 2027 approval.”

The issue concerns fees assessed within Salina’s Business Improvement District. Commissioners discussed the structure Monday and indicated the fee schedule would receive additional review before final 2027 action.

Salina Destination Development

Rempp also raised questions about the timeline for Salina Destination Development, located west of Menards.

“Salina Destination Development, just west of Menard's. Tony J asked how many times the agreement has been modified previously. I feel the same way. They say phase 1 filled in short order with a 100 unit waiting list. Why are they not being more aggressive in getting phase 2 going.”

Rempp said he supported the third amendment because of the potential loss of state funding but raised a broader concern about repeatedly extending development deadlines.

“Bottom-line, the 3rd Amendment was needed or the 4.5ish million was headed East back to Topeka. Longer term downside which already seems to be in play, developers can promise an aggressive timeline knowing they will get extensions as needed.”

Great Plains Manufacturing Property

Rempp’s final takeaway concerned approximately 27 acres north of Great Plains Manufacturing that are being considered for annexation into the city.

“The 27 acres located North of Great Plains Manufacturing. Currently it's just a field with railroad tracks running through. On the upside, once this land is annexed to the city, it will be added to the tax rolls, plus allows Great Plains more flexibility for future expansion(s).”

Rempp presented the annexation as having two potential benefits: adding the property to the city tax base and providing additional flexibility for future Great Plains Manufacturing expansion.

The five comments were posted publicly by Rempp following Monday’s meeting and represent his assessment of the issues considered by the commission.