Commission reorganization sparks frustration among county department heads

Residential properties bear 71 percent of Riley County tax burden

Tax exemptions and downtown industrial revenue bonds draw scrutiny from appraiser

Local taxpayers subsidize state motor vehicle operations by $350,000

County pushes back against lane closures on river bridge due to K-13 detour

County expresses disappointment over exclusion from U.S. 24 corridor study

Keats sewer infrastructure project nears bid award

Riley County ties for third nationally in remote worker relocation program

New 500-foot buffer rule for short-term rentals takes effect

Health department approves $1.15 million in state grants, announces temporary clinic closure

Commission reorganization sparks frustration among county department heads

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Riley County Commission voted to direct County Counselor Jacob Hansen to draft a resolution moving the Riley County Human Resources Department under the purview of the County Counselor and Administrative Services office. The unanimous vote, which followed an executive session, immediately sparked tension among county staff. During a subsequent county officials luncheon, department heads expressed frustration over the sudden reorganization, saying the lack of prior communication from the commission created unease and forced leaders to play catch-up when fielding questions from their own employees.

Residential properties bear 71 percent of Riley County tax burden

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Preliminary property valuation data for 2026 shows that residential property owners are carrying 71 percent of the county's tax burden, according to a report from the Riley County Appraiser's Office. While overall appraised property values in Riley County increased by 3.35 percent, overall assessed values jumped by 5.94 percent, heavily driven by new residential construction. County Appraiser Anna Burson noted that because residential properties are assessed at 11.5 percent while commercial properties are assessed at 25 percent, the sheer volume of residential properties in the county leaves homeowners shouldering the vast majority of local government and school funding.

Tax exemptions and downtown industrial revenue bonds draw scrutiny from appraiser

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Roughly 40 percent of the appraised property value in Riley County is entirely exempt from taxation, a figure the Riley County Appraiser's Office cited as a major drain on the local tax base. During a departmental update, Anna Burson discussed the application of state statutes regarding 501(c)(3) nonprofits and noted the city's recent issuance of industrial revenue bonds for a $900,000 multi-unit residential downtown development. She stated that granting 10-year, 100 percent tax exemptions for such projects continuously shifts the financial burden onto the remaining residential and commercial taxpayers.

Local taxpayers subsidize state motor vehicle operations by $350,000

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County is subsidizing state motor vehicle operations by approximately $350,000 annually, prompting discussions among county officials about the financial viability of offering certain state services locally. During a budget forecasting discussion, officials noted that while a recently implemented visibility fee generated an additional $70,000 in January and February, the county may need to evaluate whether to continue processing heavy commercial truck registrations if the state revenue does not adequately cover the county's staffing and operational costs.

County pushes back against lane closures on river bridge due to K-13 detour

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County Public Works is fighting a request by the U.S. Geological Survey to reduce the U.S. Highway 24 river bridge to one lane for core sampling. Public Works Director and County Engineer John Ellermann told commissioners that traffic on the bridge has tripled due to vehicles detouring around the ongoing K-13 closure, with a recent 15-minute morning study tracking more than 100 vehicles crossing the span. Ellermann said he is uncomfortable allowing the lane closure during peak hours and is coordinating with Pottawatomie County officials to address the traffic safety concerns.

County expresses disappointment over exclusion from U.S. 24 corridor study

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County officials recently sent a formal letter of disappointment to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and engineering firm Benesch after being left out of critical meetings regarding the U.S. 24 corridor study. Public Works Director and County Engineer John Ellermann told the commission that KDOT and Benesch held multiple planning meetings without inviting county representatives. Local officials are now demanding a seat at the table to ensure the county's infrastructure and traffic concerns are adequately represented in the state's long-term highway planning.

Keats sewer infrastructure project nears bid award

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The long-awaited Keats sewer infrastructure project is officially moving into the construction phase, with contractor bids due March 17. The county expects to open bids publicly and move toward awarding a contract later in March. Engineers anticipate a roughly 14-month construction timeline, beginning with work on the local lagoon before moving into residential yards, with the county promising extensive, ongoing communication with residents before any neighborhood digging begins.

Riley County ties for third nationally in remote worker relocation program

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County's partnership with the Make My Move remote worker incentive program tied for the third-most household relocations nationally in February. The Riley County Planning and Development Department reported that three fully vetted applicants have officially moved to the county — two to Manhattan and one to Ogden. Two of the new residents secured local employment, while one brought a remote job. The county currently has more than 150 applicants in the pre-approval phase, and officials expect the relocation pace to increase as the weather warms.

New 500-foot buffer rule for short-term rentals takes effect

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Newly amended regulations restricting the density of short-term rentals in Riley County are now officially published and enforceable. The Riley County Planning and Development Department confirmed that the county will no longer accept applications or issue new licenses for short-term rentals located within 500 feet of an existing licensed short-term rental on the same street. The rule was designed to address neighborhood parking issues and preserve the character of residential zones.

Health department approves $1.15 million in state grants, announces temporary clinic closure

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Sitting as the board of county health, commissioners approved the submission of more than $1.15 million in grant applications to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The funding will support local programs, including child care licensing, maternal and child health, immunizations and universal home visiting. Riley County Health Department Director Diane Creek also said the county health clinic will be closed to the public Wednesday through Friday, March 11-13, 2026, to allow staff to train on a new electronic health records system.

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