> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Riley County Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/riley-county-commission-summary-56/ - Published: 2026-09-11T12:59:25.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-11T12:59:25.000Z - Description: Week of September 11, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: ksu, #summary, dnn # Commissioners approve $108.3 million Riley County budget for 2027 # Riley County to exceed revenue neutral rate with new mill levy # Board approves exceeding revenue neutral rate for rural fire district # Board clarifies stance on controversial RCPD grant application # Privately funded fairground complex memorandum under review # Manhattan Area Chamber announces gap financing for local business projects --- ### Commissioners approve $108.3 million Riley County budget for 2027 RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Board of Riley County Commissioners unanimously approved the 2027 county budget totaling $108.3 million following a public hearing on Tuesday. The board also approved a special district fund certificate totaling $6.9 million. The budget includes a 2.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment for county employees, which drew some criticism during the public hearing from residents concerned about rising property taxes and the overall cost of government services. --- ### Riley County to exceed revenue neutral rate with new mill levy RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Following a public hearing, the board approved a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2027 tax year. The approved Riley County mill levy is set at 38.012 mills, reflecting a slight increase of 0.026 mills from the final 2026 rate and sitting 1.695 mills above the revenue neutral rate. The decision allows the county to capture additional property tax revenue generated by increased property valuations across the region. --- ### Board approves exceeding revenue neutral rate for rural fire district RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — In a split decision, commissioners approved a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate for Riley County Fire District 1 for the 2027 tax year. While a resident questioned anticipated cost savings from recent emergency services consolidations, staff clarified that the bulk of those savings will be reflected in the county's general fund rather than the fire district budget. The resolution passed with one commissioner casting a dissenting vote, noting a desire to remain consistent with his voting record from previous election years. --- ### Board clarifies stance on controversial RCPD grant application RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Before a lengthy public comment period dominated by opposition to a proposed Riley County Police Department grant, the Board of Riley County Commissioners clarified Tuesday that no official award has been received. The board stated its only action to date was submitting the application for the Bridging Immigration-related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) grant, which factually requires the RCPD to participate in the federal 287(g) program and cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, while also prompting resident concerns about requiring county funds for a new administrative building. Officials emphasized that no funds have been accepted and any final decisions regarding the grant would require further approval from both the county commission and the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Board. --- ### Privately funded fairground complex memorandum under review RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Counselor Jacob Hansen updated the commission on a pending memorandum of understanding regarding a proposed fairground complex, noting the agreement will not rely on county tax funds. The project is anticipated to be a privately funded venture, with the county only potentially assisting with site work and maintaining ownership of the ground lease. Hansen emphasized that the current memorandum is preliminary, legally non-binding and simply expresses the county's interest in exploring the partnership before private fundraising efforts begin. --- ### Manhattan Area Chamber announces gap financing for local business projects RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Innovate24 Executive Director Stephanie Pierce, representing the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, reported to the commission that the Innovate24 initiative recently approved gap financing for two local business projects. Utilizing state programs through Network Kansas, the initiative provided $268,000 in gap financing, which helped secure nearly $1 million in total project funding when combined with bank loans. The funding supported a business succession and associated facility upgrades within the county, highlighting ongoing efforts to support local economic development and business retention. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/ksu-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)