7/1/2026 Riley County Commission Meeting

The Riley County Commission held a special meeting on July 1, 2026, focusing primarily on budget discussions and capital improvement projects (CIP). The commission reviewed and recommended removing two CIP projects: a storage building at Fairmont Park and playground equipment, except for a $35,000 piece of equipment already ordered. They discussed the financial challenges facing the county, including a significant increase in health department costs due to federal funding cuts, particularly affecting the WIC program, and the need for supplemental local funding. The commission also considered potential cuts to non-mandated services, including household hazardous waste services, which are reimbursed by other counties and the state but require upfront budgeting. The discussion highlighted the county's fiscal constraints, the impact of lowering the mill levy over recent years, and the need to balance service provision with tax revenue. The commission agreed to transfer $5 million from CIP back to the county general fund to stabilize the budget but acknowledged this is a short-term solution. They also debated the future of county parks, with some commissioners suggesting potential sale of park land to reduce expenses. The meeting concluded with plans to further review the health department budget and reorganization and to consider mill levy adjustments for the 2027 budget cycle.