Saline County committees debated long-standing public safety concerns and funding issues Monday night, April 6, 2026. Members rejected a proposed animal control ordinance after intense discussion, approved a county flag resolution, and advanced a proposal that could reduce library funding if voters approve it in November.

During an evening of committee meetings, justices of the peace debated a proposed animal control ordinance that many agree the county urgently needs, while also advancing a measure that could reduce funding for the Saline County Library system. Read the breakdown and watch meeting videos.

ANIMAL CONTROL

The proposed animal control ordinance failed in committee, despite widespread agreement that the county faces a serious and ongoing problem. For years, residents across Saline County have dealt with loose and aggressive dogs, many of them abandoned or allowed to roam by irresponsible owners. Those conditions have led to injuries, attacks, and even loss of life, prompting repeated calls for action.

Justice Carlton Billingsley, who sponsored the ordinance along with Justice Wilson Hatcher, told the committee the proposal would finally give law enforcement tools they currently lack. He said deputies often respond to the same properties repeatedly but cannot take meaningful action under existing law.

Still, several justices pushed back on the scope of the ordinance. Justice CJ Engel argued that the proposal went too far and could penalize responsible pet owners whose dogs simply leave their property without posing a threat.

Justice Rick Bellinger and others echoed those concerns, warning that the ordinance could impose “city-like” restrictions across the county’s large rural area and prove difficult to enforce.

Sheriff Rodney Wright also raised concerns about enforcement. The sheriff told the committee that calls related to animals already continue to increase and that any new ordinance would likely add to that workload. He said deputies would have limited kennel space and resources, and emphasized that irresponsible owners — not animals themselves — drive most of the problem.

Public comment highlighted the real-world impact. One resident, Mel Kirby of the Sardis community, described how roaming dogs killed his livestock and repeatedly came onto his property, while others raised concerns about nuisance animals and safety risks.

Despite recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the committee voted the ordinance down. This does not mean it’s the end of the discussion. Several members indicated they want to revisit the proposal with revisions that focus more narrowly on dangerous animals while avoiding unintended consequences for responsible owners.

COUNTY FLAG

Next on the agenda, the committee approved a resolution to adopt an official Saline County flag. Justice Keith Kellum said the county could adopt the flag without spending public funds and offered to cover initial costs. Some justices reported negative feedback from constituents, but the measure passed and now moves to the full Quorum Court. (Scroll down to the agenda items and documents to see the flag design.)

LIBRARY MILLAGE

The Finance Committee then turned its attention to a proposal that could have long-term financial consequences for the county’s library system.

Members approved an ordinance that would place a library millage reduction on the November 2026 ballot. The proposal would lower the rate from 1.7 mills to 1.1 mills if voters approve it.

County officials described the measure as a tax cut made possible by population growth and rising property values. Judge Matt Brumley said the county has seen substantial increases in revenue over time and now has an opportunity to let voters decide whether to reduce the rate while maintaining services.

Library leaders and residents emphasized the importance of the funding. The Saline County Library system relies on the millage for operations and maintenance, and a reduction would significantly decrease its available revenue.

Saline County Library Director Leigh Espey couldn’t be at the meeting but her statement was read aloud:

“Our library is more than just books – it’s a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can come to learn, connect, and access the resources they need to succeed. Every day, we see the impact our services have on this community—from helping job seekers take the next step in their careers, to providing programs that support literacy and social connection for all ages, to ensuring access to reliable internet for those who need it most.

“We’re proud of what we offer the citizens of Saline County and remain focused on continuing to provide the high-quality services our patrons have come to rely on. As we look ahead, we understand this proposed millage change may involve a number of challenges. This funding proposal has been carefully reviewed and analyzed, with a thoughtful plan for the future, and we are prepared to navigate those challenges while continuing to deliver the services and programs our community has come to expect.

“This proposal reflects a strong partnership between the Library, Saline County, and the Board of Trustees, all working together to ensure we are meeting the needs of today while planning responsibly for the future. Our priority remains the same—to serve our patrons well and to ensure the library continues to be a place where our community can learn, grow, and thrive.”

 

For taxpayers, the savings would be relatively small on an individual basis. A homeowner with a property assessed at $200,000 currently pays about $68 per year toward the library at 1.7 mills. Under the proposed 1.1 mills, that amount would drop to about $44 annually — a difference of roughly $24 per year, or about $2 per month.

Supporters of the proposed ballot measure described that reduction as meaningful relief when combined across all taxpayers. Opponents argued that even a modest cut could affect services over time, especially as the county continues to grow and demand for library programs increases.

During public comment, several residents urged the committee to reconsider. During public comment, residents Lela Chism, Tom Hanson and Fred Fouche pointed to the library’s role in providing internet access, education resources, and community programming, particularly for underserved areas. Others supported the measure, citing the library’s financial reserves and calling for more efficient use of taxpayer funds.

The committee ultimately approved the proposal, sending it forward for consideration by the full Quorum Court. If the court approves it, voters will decide the issue in November.

OTHER ITEMS

In addition to those headline items, the Finance Committee approved several routine measures, including budget amendments, grant funding for the Sheriff’s Department, creation of a “Salute to Veterans Fund,” and administrative personnel changes.

FULL VIDEO

MEETING NOTICE FROM 9:30AM APR 6, 2026:

Two Saline County committees will meet on Monday, April 6, 2026 to discuss Animal Control, County Flag & Library Millage. Read all the details below.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 P.M. in Courtroom #3. Doors will open at 5:45 P.M. You may enter the Courthouse via the Main Street Entrance and/or Market St. Entrance. Note the Market St. Entrance is ADA accessible.

AGENDA

Three key items on the agenda are an animal control ordinance, a county flag design, and lowering the amount of tax revenue that goes to the county library.

A – ANIMALS

One of the key items is a proposed ordinance regulating animal control in the unincorporated areas of Saline County.

The ordinance would define terms such as “at large,” “stray,” and “vicious dog,” and establish penalties for violations. It includes provisions for fines, possible jail time, and procedures for handling dangerous or stray animals.

The measure is intended to address ongoing concerns about uncontrolled or aggressive dogs and improve enforcement capabilities.

This proposed ordinance is sponsored by Carlton Billingsley, JP District 3, and Wilson Hatcher, JP District 2.

B – FLAG

Committee members will also consider a resolution to adopt an official Saline County flag.

The design was selected through a community contest and includes symbolic elements such as stars representing incorporated cities and imagery of the courthouse bell tower.

If approved, the flag could be displayed on county property at the discretion of the county judge.

This proposed resolution is sponsored by Keith Kellum, JP District 4.

C – LIBRARY

Another major item is a proposed ordinance to place a measure on the November 2026 ballot to reduce the public library millage.

The proposal would lower the tax rate from 1.7 mills to 1.1 mills. Officials cited population growth and increased tax revenue as reasons the system may be able to operate with a lower rate.

Voters would ultimately decide whether to approve the change.

This proposed resolution is sponsored by Josh Curtis, JP District 7.

D-F – BUDGET/FUND

The Finance Committee will also review several budget-related ordinances, including:

• D-Amendments to the 2026 county budget
• E-Appropriation of grant funds for the Sheriff’s Department
• F-Creation of a new “Salute to Veterans Fund” to support events and services honoring veterans

Additionally, officials will consider authorizing the transfer of a surplus sheriff’s department vehicle to another county.

G – PERSONNEL/ADMIN

Action items include requests from the county collector and county clerk offices, including salary adjustments and changes to job titles and responsibilities.

NEXT

Items discussed in committee may advance to the full Saline County Quorum Court for final consideration at a later meeting.

Residents may attend the meeting in person to hear discussion or provide input.

See the list of the events in Saline County, at www.mysaline.com/events

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