Riley County Commission Summary
Week of August 21, 2026
Commission approves publication of 2027 budget hearing
Register of Deeds reports mortgage boom amid staffing shortages
Riley County Police Department to host expedited hiring event
RCPD introduces new school resource officer for new academic year
Juvenile detention center days spike for Riley County youth
Riley County Fair premium livestock sale breaks records
Commission approves publication of 2027 budget hearing
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Commission unanimously approved the publication of the combined revenue neutral rate and public budget hearing for the 2027 budget. Budget and finance officer Brittany Phillips confirmed the estimated budget rate is set at 38 mills. The notice will be published in the Manhattan Mercury, and the official public hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sept. 10 at the county courthouse.
Register of Deeds reports mortgage boom amid staffing shortages
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Register of Deeds office has processed $120 million more in mortgage amounts this year compared to last year, despite operating with a reduced staff. The office recorded 4,367 documents so far this year, an increase from approximately 4,000 at this time last year. However, unpredictable mail delivery times and staff shortages have forced the office to put non-essential tasks on hold. Additionally, the office reported the county has lost an estimated $720,000 in revenue this year due to state-level fee changes in filing and mortgage registration.
Riley County Police Department to host expedited hiring event
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — In an effort to fill ongoing vacancies, the Riley County Police Department announced it will host its first-ever expedited hiring event on Aug. 28 and 29. RCPD Director Brian Peete informed the commission that the new two-day event will condense a recruitment process that traditionally takes several months. Applicants will complete the initial application, physical fitness test, voice stress analysis and multiple rounds of evaluations over the two-day period, allowing the department to quickly identify and onboard qualified candidates.
RCPD introduces new school resource officer for new academic year
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — With local students returning to the classroom, the Riley County Police Department introduced Officer Brian Swearingen as the district's newest school resource officer. Swearingen replaces recently retired SRO Sonia Gregoire. RCPD Director Brian Peete also reminded the public that officers are conducting high-visibility traffic enforcement and issuing warnings in school zones to combat speeding and ensure pedestrian safety as the academic year begins.
Juvenile detention center days spike for Riley County youth
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Preliminary figures discussed during the commission meeting suggest Riley County has seen a significant increase in the number of days local youth are spending in the regional juvenile detention center. While the county has averaged 401 detention days per year over the last five years, reports indicate Riley County youth have already utilized 977 detention days through July of this year. The sharp increase in utilization will likely impact the county's future fee assessments for the facility.
Riley County Fair premium livestock sale breaks records
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — This year's Riley County Fair youth livestock premium sale raised a record-breaking $123,000 in donations from local individuals and businesses. Daniel Skucius with K-State Research and Extension reported that the fair featured 230 youth exhibitors and saw 2,089 total entries judged. Skucius praised the educational value of the fair, emphasizing that the event teaches youth critical life skills such as planning, self-regulation and perseverance.
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