Riley County Commission Summary
Week of July 31, 2026
County approves $1.32 million contract for IT and GIS office remodel
Early discussions underway to relocate county fairgrounds
Opioid settlement fund requests exceed available revenues
Board explores Capital Improvement Program cuts to balance budget
County clerk pay grade reclassified following debate
Commission approves 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment for employees
County sees first nuisance abatement trial
County approves $1.32 million contract for IT and GIS office remodel
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a contract agreement with BHS Construction for remodeling the local Information Technology and Geographic Information Systems office. The project will cost taxpayers $1,326,700. The remodeling effort aims to update the county's technological infrastructure and working environments for essential staff.
Early discussions underway to relocate county fairgrounds
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Officials are in the preliminary stages of exploring a potential relocation of the county fairgrounds to a site further north. County Counselor Jacob Hansen updated the commission on recent talks with Riley County Extension representatives and fairgrounds proponents, who are currently drafting a memorandum of understanding. The document will outline the proposed responsibilities of both the county and the Riley County Fair Board if the relocation project moves forward.
Opioid settlement fund requests exceed available revenues
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners delayed a vote on how to allocate the county's opioid settlement funds after learning that current requests exceed available revenues. Fully funding the Riley County Health Department's opioid prevention educator and Riley County Community Corrections' drug court would leave the fund $38,000 in the negative. Budget and Finance Officer Brittany Phillips reminded the board that the settlement payouts are temporary and will soon decrease, prompting commissioners to explore alternative grant funding to sustain these prevention programs in the future.
Board explores Capital Improvement Program cuts to balance budget
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — As the county works to finalize its upcoming budget without raising the intended mill levy, a proposal was explored to reduce the amount of funds transferred out of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). It was argued during the meeting that relying on CIP funds for operational gaps defers essential maintenance and exacerbates financial shortfalls for future years. The commission agreed to review the proposed budget adjustments and make a final determination at their next meeting.
County clerk pay grade reclassified following debate
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — After substantial debate regarding internal equity and professional recruitment, the commission voted to reclassify the county clerk's position to a higher pay grade, moving from grade HH to FF. Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward championed the change, which increases the position's starting and maximum salaries. The measure received support during the meeting, with arguments emphasizing that the clerk's extensive statutory duties require highly qualified professionals. The new pay scale will go into effect when the next clerk takes office.
Commission approves 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment for employees
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Despite some debate over looming budget constraints, the commission approved a 2.8 percent across-the-board cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for county employees. A tiered approach was suggested during the meeting — offering a 1.5 percent raise for higher-paid professional staff and a 2.0 percent raise for other employees — to save money. However, Budget and Finance Officer Brittany Phillips warned that altering COLA rates could compress pay scales and severely harm employee retention, leading the board to pass the uniform 2.8 percent increase.
County sees first nuisance abatement trial
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — County Counselor Jacob Hansen updated the commission on the county's first nuisance abatement trial under a law passed in 2024. The civil matter was recently taken under advisement by a District Magistrate Judge. Hansen noted that the legal issue might not be fully resolved for another five to six years if the entire appeals process eventually reaches the Kansas Supreme Court.
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