Riley County and Manhattan budgets, taxes and major facility decisions
Key Questions
What is the city commission’s budget plan?
The commission set a budget ceiling allowing up to a 6.7% tax increase. A public hearing is scheduled for September 15.
What are the early voting numbers for the primary?
Over 12,000 in-person ballots and 52,000 mail ballots have been cast statewide, with 1,900 returned. Early voting continues ahead of the August 4 primary.
What is the controversy over ICE agreements?
Community members opposed Riley County pursuing ICE cooperation grants. The Law Board voted 4-1 to move forward despite the pushback.
What fee increases were approved by Riley County?
Service fees were raised, including a 12.5% hike in trash disposal costs starting October 1. Other fees were also adjusted.
How is the health department changing?
Riley County approved a reorganization cutting staff from 44 to 37 positions. The department budget was reduced by 13%.
What event features tennis star Michael Center?
Michael Center returns to Manhattan for a free book talk on the Varsity Blues scandal. The event highlights his experience as a coach.
What is Riley County’s ACA enrollment rate?
Riley County has the lowest ACA enrollment in Kansas at 3.3%. The new dashboard tracks enrollment by county and district.
What did Manhattan’s mayor say about SNAP?
Mayor Linda Brow joined 210 mayors in a letter opposing SNAP cuts in H.R. 1. Commissioner Wynn Butler opposed the letter.
Riley County approved a $108.3 million 2027 budget with a 38.012-mill levy and estimated 6.7% average-homeowner increase; John Ford opposed it. Manhattan approved a 52.5-mill levy and 2.7% average-homeowner increase. The Flint Hills Event Complex, airport work, reserves, K-State Edge 3.0 financing, land-use rules and damaged Denison Avenue salt-facility replacement remain unresolved; commissioners also approved annexing city-owned land, including a possible future fire-station parcel.