Commission defines new county administrator role

Supreme Court rejects local church appeal

Legal fees drive up county counselor's 2027 budget

Prosecutor anticipates high witness fees for major trials

Deadline looms for second-half property taxes

EMS projects revenue dip amid Fort Riley deployments

Fair board proposes flat budget for 2027

County explores regulations, moratorium on data centers

Downtown construction to bring heavy crane, uncovers historic tunnels

Summer paving project scheduled for Winkler Mills, Fancy Creek roads

Commission defines new county administrator role

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Board of Riley County Commissioners voted Monday to limit the scope of the county's newly proposed administrator position, opting to retain direct oversight of department heads. Following a presentation from Dickinson County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf on how the role functions in her jurisdiction, commissioners debated the hierarchy of local governance. The board ultimately rejected language that would have designated the new hire as the county's "chief administrative officer," instead approving a job description stating the administrator will "coordinate" operations while the commission retains sole authority over hiring, firing and discipline.

Supreme Court rejects local church appeal

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - A long-running legal battle involving the former First Christian Church building in downtown Manhattan has reached its conclusion. County officials announced Monday that the Kansas Supreme Court rejected an appeal late last week, effectively ending the litigation over the historic status of the 112-year-old structure. The property, currently owned by Riley County, was at the center of a preservation dispute after local advocates nominated it to the historic register to prevent the county from demolishing it for new office space. While detailed plans for the property were not discussed, county counselors noted the decision brings an end to the preservation and zoning disputes tying up the site.

Legal fees drive up county counselor's 2027 budget

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Ongoing litigation will drive a substantial increase in the Riley County counselor's proposed 2027 budget. Riley County Counselor Jacob Hansen informed the commission that legal services will be the department's largest line-item increase because of an ongoing lawsuit involving landowner James Seymour regarding an eminent domain and lease dispute over a shooting range property. An outside law firm is assisting the county with the case, which is currently scheduled to go to trial in February.

Prosecutor anticipates high witness fees for major trials

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Anticipated major trials are expected to keep witness fees high for the Riley County Attorney in 2027. The office is budgeting $50,000 to cover travel, lodging and meal expenses for out-of-state witnesses, noting that complex cases, such as an upcoming high-profile felony trial, require flying in victims and experts from across the country. Officials said the county spent more than $54,000 on similar witness accommodations last year, significantly higher than its historical average of $38,000.

Deadline looms for second-half property taxes

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County residents have until May 11, 2026, to pay the second half of their ad valorem property taxes without penalty. Riley County Treasurer Shilo Heger reminded residents that interest will begin accruing on May 12, 2026, and payments sent by mail must be postmarked by the deadline. The treasurer also warned that residents with outstanding personal property, watercraft or heavy truck taxes will be barred from processing motor vehicle transactions until their delinquent balances are cleared.

EMS projects revenue dip amid Fort Riley deployments

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County Emergency Medical Services is requesting a leaner 2027 budget but is bracing for an accompanying dip in revenue. Riley County EMS Director David Adams presented a $6.58 million personnel budget — a reduction of nearly $188,000 from 2026 — as well as lower non-personnel requests. However, projected revenue is expected to drop by more than $80,000, which Adams attributed to stagnant health insurance reimbursement rates and a decline in emergency calls and inter-facility transfers linked to a Fort Riley troop deployment cycle.

Fair board proposes flat budget for 2027

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Riley County Fair Board is proposing a flat budget for 2027, offering temporary relief to county taxpayers. Riley County Extension Director Daniel Skucius presented the proposal on behalf of the volunteer board, saying that while expenses remain tight, the organization can sustain operations and fairground maintenance without a funding increase. However, the official cautioned commissioners that the general extension office will likely request a small funding increase when it presents its independent budget later this month.

County explores regulations, moratorium on data centers

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County is drafting a six-month moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems as officials evaluate possible zoning regulations. Riley County Planning Director Amanda Webb told commissioners that neighboring counties have seen a surge of interest from developers, raising local concerns about heavy water usage, noise levels and the potential impact on agricultural land. A formal resolution to temporarily pause such developments is being prepared by the county counselor's office to give the Riley County Planning and Development Department time to study infrastructure impacts.

Downtown construction to bring heavy crane, uncovers historic tunnels

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Motorists and pedestrians in downtown Manhattan will need to navigate around heavy equipment this summer as a large construction crane is placed near county buildings for an ongoing demolition and renovation project. County officials said the downtown revitalization and demolition work has already uncovered hidden water wells and historic tunnels beneath the site. The crane is expected to occupy street and parking spaces from late June through July, and contractors will be liable for any damage to county parking areas.

Summer paving project scheduled for Winkler Mills, Fancy Creek roads

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Motorists should expect delays on Winkler Mills Road and Fancy Creek Road starting May 11, 2026, as the Riley County Public Works Department kicks off a major asphalt overlay project. The paving work is slated to take 25 working days, with a targeted completion date of June 16, 2026, weather permitting. Traffic control measures will be in place throughout the construction zone, and drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes.

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