Riley County Commission Summary
Week of February 24, 2026
Commission considers creating county administrator position
Ford attends National Association of Counties conference
County to oppose state single-property appraisal bill
Commission prepares for 'bathroom bill' compliance
Stricter regulations approved for short-term rentals
Property valuation notices mailing this week
Transfer station to close temporarily for construction
Mental health center expands mobile crisis response
Commission considers creating county administrator position
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Commission received a formal recommendation Tuesday to create a county administrator position, a move advised by attorney and consultant David Cooper following an investigation into non-elected personnel. Cooper noted that Riley County remains the largest Kansas county by population and budget without an administrator, having historically relied on the county clerk for such duties. With County Clerk Rich Vargo announcing he will not seek reelection, the recommendation suggests professionalizing the county's structure by centralizing human resources, finance and counseling under a new executive role.
Ford attends National Association of Counties conference
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County was represented at the National Association of Counties annual legislative conference in Washington, D.C., where Commissioner John Ford attended remotely. The commission was updated on meetings with the Mid-Sized County Caucus and the Veterans and Military Services Advisory Council, as well as discussions with federal policymakers regarding Department of Veterans Affairs priorities and mental health initiatives.
County to oppose state single-property appraisal bill
MANHATTAN, Kan. — County Counselor Jacob Hansen received consensus to submit written testimony opposing Senate Bill 329, a state Senate bill proposed in the 2026 legislative session regarding single-property appraisals. In consultation with County Appraiser Anna Burson, Hansen warned that the legislation would compel the county to shift from a mass appraisal system to a single-fee appraisal system. Officials indicated this change would result in a significant financial burden and increased operational costs for the county.
Commission prepares for 'bathroom bill' compliance
MANHATTAN, Kan. — County staff, including County Counselor Jacob Hansen and Public Works Director John Ellermann, are developing protocols to comply with Senate Bill 244, legislation regarding public facilities often referred to as the "bathroom bill." With the bill expected to take effect in approximately two weeks following a legislative override of the governor's veto, the legal and public works departments are collaborating to ensure necessary protections and signage meet statutory requirements.
Stricter regulations approved for short-term rentals
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Amendments to the county's land development regulations regarding short-term rentals were approved, specifically tightening requirements for local management. The new rules mandate that a designated "responsible agent" must be available and affirmatively respond to complaints in person within one hour of notification. Additionally, the updated regulations clarify language regarding waivers for the 500-foot separation distance between units, removing arbitrary listing options to focus on traffic and parking impacts.
Property valuation notices mailing this week
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County property owners can expect to receive valuation notices in the mail shortly after they are sent on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The Appraiser's Office announced that updated property information and record details will be available online via the county's parcel search tool by noon on Friday, Feb. 27, and owners wishing to appeal their valuations must file a request by March 26.
Transfer station to close temporarily for construction
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Transfer Station will close to the public beginning March 2 to facilitate the construction of a new tipping floor. Public Works Director John Ellermann announced the closure is tentatively scheduled to last through April 10, with both commercial and residential customers directed to use a designated temporary dump site at the transfer station location during this period.
Mental health center expands mobile crisis response
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Pawnee Mental Health Services has expanded its mobile crisis response team to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to CEO Michael Rezkalla. During a quarterly update, the agency reported a diversion rate of roughly 84 percent since expanding the service on Jan. 1, indicating that most individuals in crisis were stabilized without requiring emergency room visits or hospitalization. The agency is also establishing a correctional mental health program to improve continuity of care for individuals entering and exiting the county jail.
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