Tight state races trigger massive local ballot audit

County to oppose 3 percent property tax appraisal cap

Real estate tax exemption applications double

Riley County median home sale price reaches $280,650

Planners seek direction on data center regulations

Thousands in wastewater grant funds going unused

County advances $1 million grant application for Keats infrastructure

County seeks $970,000 grant to fund recovery court program

Tight state races trigger massive local ballot audit

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County election workers are hand-counting ballots from 22 of the county's 68 precincts following the Nov. 3 election. County officials noted that because three statewide races — governor, attorney general and secretary of state — fell within a 1 percent margin, a state-mandated close-race audit was automatically triggered under K.S.A. 25-3009. The Kansas law requires an audit of an additional 10 percent of precincts for each affected race, which equates to seven precincts per race in Riley County. Combined with the county's standard one-precinct random draw, the three close races pushed the total to 22 precincts. Thirteen staff members have been assigned to sort and hand-count the ballots to verify machine accuracy, resulting in unforeseen logistical and fiscal impacts for the county.

County to oppose 3 percent property tax appraisal cap

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — County Counselor Jacob Hansen outlined local lobbying priorities ahead of an upcoming legislative luncheon, focusing on opposing a proposed state law that would cap property tax appraisals at 3 percent. Hansen argued that an appraisal cap artificially restricts revenue and expressed concern that it could lead to diminished local services, which he warned might ultimately result in costly legal liability for the county. Additionally, officials plan to lobby the Kansas Legislature to permanently authorize and expand the Criminal Nuisance Abatement Act that Riley County has successfully used to clean up blighted properties.

Real estate tax exemption applications double

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Pending real estate tax exemptions in Riley County more than doubled in the past month, rising from eight to 18 applications. County Appraiser Anna Burson reported that the sudden spike, which includes three city-owned properties, requires extensive review to ensure the properties legally qualify for tax-exempt status under state law. Burson noted she is writing detailed recommendations to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals when an application's exempt use is unclear, as the statutory parameters are frequently complex and highly scrutinized.

Riley County median home sale price reaches $280,650

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Appraiser's Office has validated 851 residential property sales for the current calendar year, with a median sale price of $280,650. Appraiser Anna Burson told the Riley County Commission that 75 percent of county home sales were priced at $219,000 or above, with half of all sales falling between $219,000 and $362,000. Additionally, the county has issued 399 new building permits this year, including 41 for new dwellings, not counting an estimated 75 to 125 additional permits issued within Manhattan city limits.

Planners seek direction on data center regulations

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Planning and Development Director Amanda Webb asked the Riley County Commission for direction on establishing zoning criteria for data centers and battery energy storage systems before the county's temporary moratorium on the facilities expires in mid-May. Webb suggested using a special or conditional use process to evaluate future applications and noted that an entirely new section of county code must be written. Riley County Commissioners agreed they must review existing policies to determine what types and sizes of data centers — such as massive hyperscale facilities — are appropriate for the county before drafting the new regulations.

Thousands in wastewater grant funds going unused

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Planning and Development Department has $33,000 remaining in a state grant to help low-to-moderate-income residents repair or replace failing wastewater systems, but is struggling to find applicants. Planning Director Amanda Webb urged eligible residents to apply for the Local Environmental Protection Program funds before the June 30, 2027, deadline. Webb noted that the county proactively contacts property owners when pumping reports indicate a septic failure, but strict financial documentation requirements often make residents hesitant to apply for the aid.

County advances $1 million grant application for Keats infrastructure

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County is working through the federal review process for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant that could provide up to $1 million for water and sewer infrastructure in Keats. Planning Director Amanda Webb said the county is currently providing its existing federal U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) contracts to the EPA to ensure compliance. If awarded, the EPA grant would offset the loan portion of the project's funding, complementing an already secured $740,000 USDA grant and easing the financial burden on the local community.

County seeks $970,000 grant to fund recovery court program

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Commissioners unanimously approved a request to apply for a $969,667 Bureau of Justice Assistance Adult Treatment Court Program grant. Community Corrections Director Megan Lewis said the four-year grant requires a 25 percent local match, which will be covered by existing staff salaries. If awarded, the funds will support the county's Recovery Court program by paying for a supervision officer and defense counsel starting in 2028, after current opioid settlement funds covering the interim period are exhausted. The grant would also fund medication-assisted treatment, health exams and sober living housing and transportation for participants.

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