Riley County Commission Summary
Week of October 9, 2026
Commission approves $250,000 remodel for Health Department
Aggressive timeline set for county administrator search
Demand letters mailed for delinquent property taxes
Treasurer reports strong investment yields for general fund
Chamber reports $50 million annual impact from Manhattan Business Park
Local delegation prepares to lobby in Washington D.C.
Commission approves $250,000 remodel for Health Department
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Commission approved an estimated $220,000 to $250,000 for remodeling the Riley County Health Department to centralize patient services and consolidate programs. Interim Health Department Director David Adams presented the update, noting the physical remodel is necessary to support the department's transition to a more integrated, cross-trained service model. The project, which will soon go out for bid, is funded through the Capital Improvement Program and aims to prepare the facility before a permanent health director is hired.
Aggressive timeline set for county administrator search
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward outlined an aggressive recruitment schedule to fill the vacant county administrator position by early January. The commission approved the timeline and established a preliminary workgroup, which includes Commissioner Greg McKinley, to filter applications before finalists are selected for virtual and in-person interviews. Ward noted that the interview panel will also include appointed and elected department heads to ensure the final candidate aligns with county operations.
Demand letters mailed for delinquent property taxes
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Assistant County Counselor Michael Hawthorne announced that demand letters have been sent to more than 100 property owners facing inclusion in next year's tax sale due to unpaid property taxes. Hawthorne encouraged residents to pay their property taxes promptly to avoid their properties being included in the county's tax sale, noting that several property owners have already redeemed their properties since the initial notices were mailed.
Treasurer reports strong investment yields for general fund
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Treasurer Shilo Heger reported that the county has generated more than $2.45 million in investment income for the general fund so far this year, hitting 87.5 percent of the annual budget target. Thanks to favorable interest rates, the county's active checking account earned 3.89 percent in September, while recent certificates of deposit were secured at 4.35 percent. Heger also noted that the county has collected 97.7 percent of its total tax abstract ahead of the final distribution at the end of October.
Chamber reports $50 million annual impact from Manhattan Business Park
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Daryn Soldan, economic development director for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the economic success of Manhattan Business Park, which now supports over 600 employees and an annual payroll exceeding $30 million. Soldan told commissioners the park generates more than $1.5 million in annual property taxes and a broader regional economic impact of over $50 million. He noted that the chamber is working with private property owners to secure land for future industrial expansions in the area.
Local delegation prepares to lobby in Washington D.C.
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — A local delegation traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Association of the United States Army conference to advocate for Fort Riley infrastructure and community initiatives. Christian Bishop, military relations manager for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, detailed the trip's agenda, which includes lobbying on Capitol Hill for federal impact aid and highlighting an intergovernmental support agreement with Unified School District 383. Local officials will also support the Army and Kansas State University 10-miler teams competing during the event.
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