Manhattan local news summary

Riley county transfers $300,000 to cover police department shortfall

Amazon facility, new projects signal regional economic growth

'Riley County Together' comprehensive plan nears final hearings

Commission OKs $105,000 change order for emergency management, fire remodel project

Health department to implement new $216,000 electronic health record system

Riley county transfers $300,000 to cover police department shortfall

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Riley County Commission on Monday approved a $300,000 transfer from the county’s general fund to the Riley County Police Department fund to cover a projected budget shortfall. Budget and Finance Officer Brittany Phillips said several unanticipated 2025 costs contributed to the deficit, including higher inmate medical expenses, out-of-county housing for inmates due to overcrowding and a $76,000 payout tied to a radio fund held since 2017. Commissioners voiced concern about recurring RCPD budget growth but approved the transfer to avoid a negative cash balance in the RCPD fund.

Amazon facility, new projects signal regional economic growth

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Construction related to a new Amazon last-mile facility near the Manhattan Business Park by the Manhattan Regional Airport is moving forward, part of a slate of projects the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce says will bring hundreds of jobs and millions in capital investment to the region. In an update to the commission, Daryn Soldan highlighted four major projects: the Amazon facility, a new Torgeson Electric project, the PTMW expansion and Solar Turbines taking over the former Caterpillar facility in Wamego. Soldan said growth in data-center-adjacent and electrical generation industries positions the region well.

'Riley County Together' comprehensive plan nears final hearings

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The draft comprehensive plan, 'Riley County Together Comprehensive Plan 2040,' is headed toward public hearings in Dec. before a potential Dec. 18 adoption. Planning Director Amanda Webb noted a recent workshop drew limited attendance but some new participants and reiterated the plan applies only to unincorporated areas. Hearings are scheduled first with the Riley County Planning Board and then the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board ahead of commission action.

Commission OKs $105,000 change order for emergency management, fire remodel project

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A change order for the ongoing remodel converting the former EMS Station #1 into shared space for Emergency Management and Fire District #1 was unanimously approved Monday. The $105,901 order funds replacing an asphalt approach with concrete pavement, curbing and gutters; Public Works Director John Ellermann said the work was omitted originally to control upfront costs and is cheaper while the contractor is mobilized. The change order also adds two flagpoles.

Health department to implement new $216,000 electronic health record system

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Riley County Health Department will implement a new electronic health record system after the commission approved a five-year contract with Patagonia Health Inc. for $215,911. Health Director Diane Creek said the cloud-based system was selected unanimously by an evaluation team and will replace the current, less functional software. The EHR will integrate clinical, billing and reporting and tie into state systems. Initial setup uses approved Capital Improvement Program funds; the go-live is targeted for early 2026.

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