About Us
The Community
Located in Central Kansas at the intersection of Interstate Highways 70 and 135, Saline County encompasses approximately 720 square miles and has a current estimated population of 54,303. There are six incorporated cities (and a small sliver of a seventh) as well as portions of seven school districts, eight rural water districts, and nine fire districts within the County’s boundaries.
The City of Salina, home to more than 85% of the County’s population, is the largest city on I-70 between Topeka and Denver. Accordingly, it is a regional center for retail and healthcare. It also plays host to four institutions of higher education—Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina Area Technical College, and campuses of both Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. Saline County is one of only two counties in the state with campuses of both K-State and KU.
The Salina Regional Airport is located on the former Schilling Air Base and provides nonstop daily scheduled service to three United hubs—Chicago, Denver and Houston. The Airport Industrial Center is home to over 100 businesses and organizations, including the world’s largest frozen pizza manufacturing facility, and is poised for continued growth in military aviation, aircraft servicing, manufacturing and distribution.
Other military and law enforcement facilities in the community include the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range and the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy.
Entertainment venues in the community include the historic Stiefel Theater, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, the Saline County Livestock and Expo Center, Rolling Hills Zoo and the Salina Speedway.
Learn more about the community at www.imaginesalina.com.
The Organization
Saline County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners, elected to 4-year staggered terms from single member districts. The Board performs both executive and legislative functions, is responsible for all policy decisions regarding county government and is responsible for hiring the County Administrator. Other elected officials include the County Attorney, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, and County Treasurer. The County Administrator is responsible for central administrative functions including budgeting, as well as overseeing various service departments.
The County employs 345 full-time, 3 part-time, and 9 seasonal/PRN employees across 14 departments located in seven different principal locations within the City of Salina. Each of these locations has unique challenges and opportunities regarding existing spaces and future potential.
The fiscal year for the County begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The County’s total budget for FY 2026 is $73,566,347 (operating and capital).
The County embraces a forward-thinking culture that has garnered accolades such as NACo Achievement Awards, Build a Better Mousetrap winners and presentations at the Transforming Local Government conference. At the same time, the County maintains a conservative fiscal position with strong reserves and an Aa2 bond rating.