Record-breaking inmate medical costs spark concern

EMS overtime costs trend downward in latest budget report

County's $4.25 million budget stabilization fund remains untouched

Riley County Commissioners prep for legislative clash over property taxes

Short-term rental regulations eyed for future legislative push

'Make My Move' program brings new teachers to Manhattan-Ogden USD 383

Record-breaking inmate medical costs spark concern

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County continues to see record-breaking expenses for inmate medical care, according to a year-to-date budget report presented by County Clerk Rich Vargo. The combination of rising healthcare costs and a record average daily population of 143 inmates has pushed the county's off-site medical expense pool balance with Advanced Correctional Healthcare to a negative $35,881. Vargo noted that the county is statutorily required to cover these costs regardless of the total, making it a persistent and growing challenge for the county budget.

EMS overtime costs trend downward in latest budget report

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Despite the 24-hour nature of emergency medical services, overtime costs for Riley County EMS are trending downward, according to the county's latest budget activity report. While EMS consistently runs high in overtime compared to other departments due to 24/7, 365-day staffing requirements, Riley County officials noted that current management strategies are successfully bringing the percentages down. Overall, county overtime sits at a manageable 3.39% for the current budget cycle.

County's $4.25 million budget stabilization fund remains untouched

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County has not yet needed to dip into its $4.25 million budget stabilization fund this year, a positive indicator of local financial health. County Clerk Rich Vargo highlighted the untouched emergency reserves during his budget presentation, noting that utilizing the fund usually signifies a major community emergency. The preservation of the stabilization fund keeps the county's general fund expenditures lower than typical at this point in the fiscal year.

Riley County Commissioners prep for legislative clash over property taxes

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — As Riley County prepares for its annual legislative luncheon in November, Riley County Commissioners are gearing up to challenge Kansas lawmakers on property tax narratives. Commissioners said they believe Kansas political campaigns often unfairly blame local governments for high taxes, despite the State of Kansas capturing significant revenue and allegedly failing to fully fund local mandates. The Commission plans to use the luncheon to educate incoming Kansas legislators on the realities of local property tax burdens and to argue that proposed valuation freezes do not equate to meaningful tax reform.

Short-term rental regulations eyed for future legislative push

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Establishing a Kansas state-level enforcement mechanism for short-term rentals remains a top legislative priority for Riley County. During discussions about the upcoming legislative luncheon, County Counselor Jacob Hansen highlighted the need to continue pressing Kansas lawmakers for regulatory tools regarding short-term rentals. The county hopes to build on momentum from recent legislative successes — such as newly acquired capabilities for property nuisance abatement in unincorporated areas under Senate Bill 384 — to secure better local control over the short-term rental market.

'Make My Move' program brings new teachers to Manhattan-Ogden USD 383

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The "Make My Move" relocation incentive program is yielding unexpected benefits for the local school district, Riley County Commissioners noted during Monday's meeting. Rather than solely attracting remote workers as initially anticipated, the program has successfully recruited at least three teachers to Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383. Additionally, the influx of new families through the program has added seven new students to the district, highlighting the initiative's broader community impact.

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