Saline County Approves One-Time $350 Bridge Payment for County Employees

The Saline County Commission approved a one-time bridge payment for county employees, intended to help offset current economic pressures while the county prepares a planned compensation study for 2027.

Marilyn Leamer, human resources director, presented the proposal, which calls for a one-time payment of $350 for eligible full-time employees, with pro-rated payments for eligible part-time or intermittent employees. The payment would be included in the November 13, 2026 bi-weekly payroll and would be subject to all applicable taxes, KPERS contributions, and other legally mandated deductions.

According to the presentation, eligibility would extend to employees actively employed by the county on or before November 7, 2026. Eligible workers would include regular full-time, regular part-time, and intermittent employees who consistently work hours comparable to a part-time position. Seasonal, temporary, and PRN as-needed employees would not be eligible.

Leamer said the estimated maximum financial impact is $117,950, drawn from the current 2026 budget year. She noted actual expenditures are expected to be lower than the estimates.

Leamer emphasized that the payment "would not represent a permanent adjustment to employee compensation or establish an expectation of future payments." One commissioner said the commission "does appreciate its workforce" and that "the salary survey has been a long time coming," adding that "maybe this bridge will help ease them into that."

The commission approved the proposal.