Commissioners vote to remove administrator presentation from agenda

Montgomery County official shares insights on administrator model

Register of deeds reports significant revenue loss

Counselor confirms veto of state property tax legislation

Commission adopts multiple occupancy private space policy

Contracts executed for Keats sanitary sewer project

Portion of Lita Road vacated to deter illegal dumping

Commission approves bituminous chip seal contract

IT department addresses software cost spikes and storm damage

Commissioners vote to remove administrator presentation from agenda

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — In a divided discussion, the commission voted to strike a scheduled Zoom presentation by Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes regarding the advantages of the administrator role in local government. A commissioner moved to remove the item, raising concerns about the value of the presentation and the county's already full schedule. Another commissioner argued that hearing varied perspectives is beneficial, but the motion to remove the item passed.

Montgomery County official shares insights on administrator model

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Later in the meeting, the commission heard from Montgomery County Administrator Jonathan Booe regarding that county's transition to a county administrator model. Booe said the administrator does not set policy but provides day-to-day management, helps coordinate departments and handles complex tasks such as researching requests for proposals. He added that the role helps prevent a single point of failure in county operations, particularly when newly elected officials are still learning their statutory duties.

Register of deeds reports significant revenue loss

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Register of Deeds Amy Manges reported a $388,394 year-to-date revenue loss due to recent state changes in filing and mortgage registration fees. Officials said the annual loss is expected to exceed $1 million. Commissioners discussed working with the Kansas Association of Counties to lobby the state legislature, arguing the fee reductions reduce support for essential recording services and could increase pressure on the county's broader budget.

Counselor confirms veto of state property tax legislation

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — County Counselor Jacob Hansen told the commission that Kansas House Bill 2043, a significant property tax measure, had been vetoed by the governor. Hansen said there would be no override this year because the legislative session had ended. He said he plans to provide a broader update in coming weeks on other enacted laws affecting county operations.

Commission adopts multiple occupancy private space policy

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — To comply with newly enacted state legislation, the commission adopted a Multiple Occupancy Private Space Policy establishing a formal complaint process for county facilities. County Counselor Jacob Hansen provided a complaint form for individuals reporting violations, though he said many investigations may fall short because complainants often do not provide enough actionable information. Before approval, the commission modified the policy to designate the county treasurer's office as the official representative for handling complaints at 110 Courthouse Plaza.

Contracts executed for Keats sanitary sewer project

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission authorized execution of contracts with Bayer Construction Co. Inc. for the Keats Sanitary Sewer Benefit District Project. The long-awaited infrastructure improvement is expected to move toward construction with an Aug. 17, 2026, late notice to proceed shown in county project materials. The approval marks a major milestone in bringing sanitary sewer service to the Keats community.

Portion of Lita Road vacated to deter illegal dumping

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Following a public hearing with no opposition, the commission unanimously approved a resolution vacating a quarter-mile portion of Lita Road extending south from Bala Road to the Fort Riley property line. Landowners sought the closure to curb late-night disturbances, trespassing and illegal dumping on the dead-end road. The closure also relieves the county of future liability tied to an aging bridge in the area.

Commission approves bituminous chip seal contract

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a contract agreement with Vance Brothers LLC for the 2026 bituminous chip seal project. The routine maintenance contract is intended to extend pavement life, improve driving conditions and help the county avoid more expensive road reconstruction later.

IT department addresses software cost spikes and storm damage

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — County Information Technology and Geographic Information Systems Director Cory Meyer reported that recent severe weather caused minor equipment damage at the county transfer station, requiring immediate replacement of several network switches. Meyer also briefed commissioners on upcoming infrastructure changes, saying the county plans to move away from VMware next year after licensing costs rose from about $16,000 to $38,000. The department plans to shift to a no-cost alternative included with upcoming server upgrades to protect the county budget.

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