11/09/2026 Riley County Commission Meeting

The Riley County Commission meeting on November 9, 2026 included budget and procurement updates. The county clerk reported that several department budgets were above the 83.33% year-to-date benchmark, with possible amendments expected for some funds; the report also noted $4.25 million budgeted for disaster emergencies. Public Works said bid documents were being prepared for the Marlatt Road improvement project and a Health Department remodel, while bridge and culvert work, a University Park lift-station project, and previously approved dog-park shelter and playground-equipment installations continued. Gravel prices were reported to be rising about 10%, from $16.60 to $18.31 per ton, and salt prices about 24%. The commission approved a letter of support for ATA’s Section 5311 transit grant application. It also approved filling a budgeted legal secretary position internally and opening an administrative assistant position; officials said this would have no budget impact. The County Attorney reported that the office had arranged for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office to handle appeals under a contract, with costs to come from an existing funding source.

Commissioners and staff discussed revising the gift-card policy after a proposed $25 per-card limit raised concerns about Community Corrections’ $100 protective-home cards and program incentives; staff were asked to update the policy, with the discussion supporting a $100 allowance for protective homes. Staff also presented a proposal to dissolve the joint Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board and establish a revised city-county coordination agreement; commissioners were supportive of further work, but no final approval was requested. In a legislative discussion, county representatives described budget reductions—including a 15% cut to agency appropriations and an additional 2% department-budget reduction—and rising costs and service obligations. No major contract award or new bid approval was recorded.