The 2024 Budget for Saline County is presented as balanced at $39,553,999.00. Key highlights include:
- **Wage Increases:** The starting wage for county clerical employees has been raised to $17/hour, and the base plan for county health insurance is covered for participating employees.
- **Economic Development:** The Economic Development Sales Tax, initiated in 2018, continues to fund infrastructure development at the junction of Interstate 70 and Highway 65, as well as supporting city projects. Notably, a grant of $52 million with a 0% match has been secured for infrastructure projects.
- **Welcome Center:** A federal EDA match grant fund of $1.2 million has been allocated for the design and completion of The Welcome Center, scheduled for completion in 2025.
- **Justice Facility Upgrade:** A significant project to repair and upgrade the Saline County Justice Facility, built in 1996, is underway with an estimated cost of $3.3 million, expected to be completed before summer 2024.
- **Infrastructure Maintenance:** The County Commission continues its responsibility for maintaining bridges and roads, with plans to construct (5) BRO bridges over the next three years, funded by federal funds with soft match funds, totaling $3,509,000.00.
The County Commission expresses gratitude for the support provided by the community in fulfilling its service to the county.