Motor vehicle transaction fee increased to $10

RCPD faces rising inmate medical and out-of-county housing costs

Residents push back against proposed ICE detention grant

Progress made on agreement to relocate fairgrounds

Transfer station crane failure stalls trash loading

Crooked Creek Road closes temporarily for culvert replacement

Motor vehicle transaction fee increased to $10

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Commission approved a resolution doubling the local motor vehicle transaction fee from $5 to $10 to fully fund the county's motor vehicle operations without relying on property taxes. According to County Treasurer Shilo Heger, the increase will generate roughly $832,000 in 2027 revenue, which will cover the $817,000 in estimated department expenditures. The fee hike, authorized by Senate Bill 404, includes a three-year sunset provision while the Vehicle Services Modernization Task Force reviews modernization and fee structures for motor vehicle departments statewide.

RCPD faces rising inmate medical and out-of-county housing costs

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Police Department is seeing significant budget pressures due to high inmate populations that have forced the county to house inmates at out-of-county facilities. According to a budget report presented by Budget and Finance Officer Brittany Phillips, the county has already spent $23,000 on out-of-county housing this year. Additionally, the department has exceeded its medical pool balance, spending nearly $13,900 on inmate medical care in August alone, with further expenses expected as invoices for newly approved mental health therapy services begin processing.

Residents push back against proposed ICE detention grant

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Several residents used the public comment period to urge the commission to reject a potential 287(g) grant. Commenters asserted the agreement would require the county to add administrative and detention facilities for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arguing that housing ICE detainees permanently in the county jail would not relieve local overcrowding and warning that partnering with the agency would "sow fear and mistrust" among the local immigrant community. While no vote was on the agenda, the public outcry highlighted deep community concerns over the potential federal partnership.

Progress made on agreement to relocate fairgrounds

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Discussions are advancing regarding the relocation of the county fairgrounds, with County Counselor Jacob Hansen reporting that he has sent requested revisions of the Flint Hills Event Complex project memorandum of understanding back to the legal team representing the project's volunteer task force and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Once the two sides reach an agreement on the terms, the finalized MOU will be presented to the board of commissioners for review and formal approval.

Transfer station crane failure stalls trash loading

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Operations at the Riley County Transfer Station faced delays over the weekend after a crane broke down mid-load on Friday, trapping the equipment's grapple arm inside a trailer overnight. Public Works Director John Ellermann reported that staff spent Saturday stockpiling material rather than loading trucks while awaiting repairs. Mechanics are currently working to bring the equipment back into service, though the transfer station remains open to the public despite the backlog.

Crooked Creek Road closes temporarily for culvert replacement

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Public Works announced the temporary closure of a section of Crooked Creek Road in Bala Township to accommodate a scheduled culvert replacement project. The road will be closed to through traffic from the intersection of Sherman Road south to Fairview Church Road starting Tuesday, Sept. 15. The public is advised to avoid the area during construction, which is expected to conclude by the end of the day, weather permitting.

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