Riley County administration, land-use 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.
The Sept. 15 Manhattan City Commission meeting will feature hearings on the city budget and exceeding the revenue-neutral rate, while county and city tax, street-maintenance, county-administrator, airport and land-use decisions remain ahead. Riley County is developing an MOU for a proposed $20.5 million Flint Hills Event Complex to replace or relocate facilities from CICO Park; funding, site costs, approvals and taxpayer exposure are unresolved.