Failing generator at Riley County jail prompts $350,000 replacement warning
Commissioners also unanimously approved $25,000 for emergency park repairs while scrutinizing a costly furniture request
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A backup generator at the Riley County Law Enforcement Center is failing and will require a $350,000 replacement, jail staff told county commissioners during a capital improvement work session.
Recent maintenance tests revealed metal in the generator's oil, indicating severe internal wear. Staff warned that replacing the obsolete unit is essential to maintaining continuous power for dispatch, servers and the jail. A total failure during a power outage would force the costly and logistically difficult relocation of approximately 100 inmates.
The commission unanimously approved an immediate $25,000 expenditure to replace deteriorating playground equipment at Seco Park, which staff described as unsafe. The funds represent a partial approval of a broader $75,000 request held in the capital improvement reserve. Officials also proposed spending $10,000 to $12,000 on a concrete pad and weather shelter at the county dog park to protect visitors from sun and wind.
A separate capital improvement request for $25,000 to $30,000 in new furniture for the Riley County Treasurer's Office drew pushback from commissioners, who questioned the necessity of designer-selected upholstered chairs priced at $600 each for staff and public waiting areas. Budget and Finance Officer Brittany Phillips said the chairs were chosen for long-term durability, but commissioners remained skeptical and asked for further review of the expenditure.
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