Salina commission approves 2025 amended budget with $2M general-fund increase

Deputy Finance Director Karina Reinhardt presented amendments to five city funds and summarized a recommended increase of $1,982,814 to the General Fund to address higher-than-expected expenditures, including a Smoky Hill River log-jam response and unanticipated employee payouts. Additional adjustments included increases to the Special Parks & Recreation Fund (+$30,000), the Golf Fund (+$60,826), the Workers’ Compensation Fund (+$50,000) and the Health Insurance Fund (+$200,000). Reinhardt said a certified amended budget would be submitted to the county and state upon approval.

During public comment, members of the public asked questions about golf irrigation and whether the golf course uses groundwater or city water; staff replied that the course uses stormwater from an irrigation pond and said they would analyze any water-bill impacts. After closing the hearing, the commission moved and seconded the recommendation and approved the 2025 amended budget by voice vote, 5–0.

The amendment authorizes staff to finalize and file the certified amended budget with county and state authorities as required by Kansas statutes.