Farm Bureau, Triad request continued county support for free tire collection

Representatives of the Saline County Farm Bureau and Triad Manufacturing asked the commission on April 21 to continue a county budget contribution that helps fund a free tire-collection program.

Leslie Manning, county coordinator for the Saline County Farm Bureau, and Barb Young of Triad Manufacturing said the Farm Bureau and the North Salina Community Development Group alternate running the collection. Manning said last year the Farm Bureau collected roughly 111 tons of tires and that disposal cost the organizers about $24,000. The groups asked the commission to continue alternating the board-funded $10,000 contribution so organizers can offer countywide collections.

Commissioners thanked the volunteers for reducing roadside dumping and confirmed the program serves the whole county, though organizers said they typically use a collection location inside city limits for logistics. County staff said the $10,000 is in the current budget and that the commission will discuss future funding as part of the upcoming budget process.