[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6511873,"mediaKeyId","5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3","parentId",5130474,"title","Votes at a glance: commissioners approve advisory‑board appointments, minutes; recess into executive session","audioSeconds",4939,"startMs",547000,"endMs",5486000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3&start=547&end=5486","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3/thumbnail_547000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511873/Kansas/Votes-at-a-glance-commissioners-approve-advisoryboard-appointments-minutes-recess-into-executive-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511873-305dab70f17b839782fcbbed054bc0d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770616837&Signature=b4HE2eF8MqWB1OIp5OtuePRQWLxvK3VnCNRMZLD885tTzq9ACCcOGE5zsZCartMEXOg-5XQE3lkFRRi1qpTKKCOnrWvckRoe7Y~q68YCVvIfTqlVLUM3n6PdoPdMMfxZElOI31kHluWLjOVwS0hUsX9SGShQ5lmIj-uV-6LM9tCoS14mgd38DxLiJuR~GrnD~oLXn2KJTJbTxG32szrOlzSqI1nPhuJ~nw3CTzinlRTAll6uruHmuwpGwApT4t9e3fSCWmhX~jbVKIZEgnR6RAhG3XSXyf5332Z5nXIIi8s9gt5B~3-X6Q7-3itJumGIlUCLLyz1O3oYyhJP4RDdWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Riley County","date","2025-07-04T04:52:07Z","article","Riley County commissioners handled several routine motions during the July 3 meeting.

Appointments: Commissioners moved and seconded approval of appointments described in Resolution No. 070325, appointing Riley County representatives to county advisory boards including the parks board and the public health advisory council. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote; commissioners said, \"Aye.\"

Minutes: The board moved and seconded approval of the June 30 meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried by voice vote; commissioners responded \"Aye.\"

Executive session: The commission voted to recess into an executive session under the attorney–client consultation exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act to receive confidential legal advice regarding a sewer district. The motion to recess was moved and seconded; the session was called to resume at 10:30 a.m. The open meeting later reconvened and the record reflects actions consistent with the executive session; that recording was also approved by voice vote.

No roll‑call tallies were recorded in the public portion of the transcript; motions were approved by verbal \"Aye\" answers. The meeting did not show any recorded dissent on the three listed actions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","7/3/2025 Riley County Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the July 3 Riley County commission meeting the board approved an appointments resolution (No. 070325), approved minutes from the June 30 meeting and recessed into an attorney‑client executive session; all items were adopted by voice vote.","taxTitle","Riley, Kansas","taxId",4218,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6511877,"Planning staff: easement work continues for ‘Keith’ lagoon project; county schedules Aug. 5 workshop on comprehensive plan",279,4549000,4828000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3&start=4549&end=4828","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3/thumbnail_4549000.jpg","/articles/6511877/Kansas/Planning-staff-easement-work-continues-for-Keith-lagoon-project-county-schedules-Aug-5-workshop-on-comprehensive-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511877-e4a96cda6738828623c1f7565965c8c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770616837&Signature=jPDW1zabF6QjmSxdeMxXUmMItdO1gkgVqy9Jau3Vb0rqmM2g01h9VOo6fJCzk4rjGGzx81ohjuHNSJiiejt2qUlR1EaQUTc8Xg3-WwlxtrVn5jRAXF0mJa2hpOIi4MTM-m3mkAFeauhKIwkfIOA4a-uklaXlPhbBdYA1wbMri6t9qSxdkvSnIAO4AIjKgzyLspBLRTDQjHA8nq1MYDluHCBY~LYo5fuMBZRIemooIQOLQCKdsU84OMpLCzYcF2R~hUEa-f4Z88zxW8biDorUoyTGGk8UDtHj~YFXeziU6TwgIyh41KqNFKZeOx1taVIOCoemF~Dj2YJ7Di2wjBeQbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Amanda Webb, Riley County planning director, told commissioners July 3 that county staff and consultants continue to prepare permanent and temporary easements for a wastewater/lagoon project the meeting referred to as the Keith project.

Webb said about 15 properties require permanent easements and additional temporary easements will be needed for installation and maintenance. County legal staff and consultants are preparing legal descriptions and exhibit maps; Webb said the county will return to the community later this summer to meet with property owners, present finalized documents, have a notary available on site and make the signing process as simple as possible.

Webb also announced a community workshop for the county comprehensive plan on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Sykes venue in Leonardville. The workshop will include a presentation from consultant Stantec and opportunities for residents to provide input on designated growth areas and draft economic development goals.

On short‑term rental (STR) amendments, Webb said the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board raised numerous questions and the county will return draft options to planning boards for review before a public hearing. She urged legislative assistance to strengthen local authority because current state law limits enforcement options: \"if we don't get some changes at the state level, this is all... half teeth,\" Webb said, summarizing the planning board feedback. Webb said code‑enforcement training and clearer public explanation of enforcement processes are planned as the county develops STR recommendations.

Webb asked commissioners whether the county should host recurring appearances from the rural economic development advisory board to report work and subcommittee ideas. Commissioners expressed interest in regular updates from that advisory body.

Webb said the county’s Local Environmental Protection Program (LAPP) grant from KDHE has closed for the first year and the county expended the full $50,000 allocation; the county has been awarded funding for the 2026 grant year and expects to begin spending once state processes are complete.","Riley County planning director Amanda Webb updated commissioners on easement negotiations for a sewer/lagoon project (referred to as the Keith project), scheduled a community workshop for Aug. 5 and said short‑term rental regulation changes will likely require state action to be fully effective.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6511881,"Riley County weed program tightens rules for discounted herbicide sales; sets HHW and paint collection dates",227,2744000,2971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3&start=2744&end=2971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3/thumbnail_2744000.jpg","/articles/6511881/Kansas/Riley-County-weed-program-tightens-rules-for-discounted-herbicide-sales-sets-HHW-and-paint-collection-dates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511881-0ec16db657bc66c089b70e0abc0b1969/orig.mp4?Expires=1770616837&Signature=FyjLP5Dux6cNgYKuu-jKpF0-BVsFkV5aSPMPX5QwbBdZ3-1WLdjrkccfVsOlmzUMin-FGunDYPB3lR5oJ~Sc8SZOmCVc52-ZeEeHDUVNRt3UEDTnfxCI6bHt6aj2jJN~VqrDTNJXKoA47kCnYJ9eahd9~MyNCzj22-wDhj4pp-nc4QyuR8kKo8XpKPDJ8nKytMuoTxOADuaKh2Wt7xfvh0yxYhpos-LwGLKQKzw4WRtEAV3e2KltoLQwqJ4MUbxN4Nidn4~3R7FV8wBeL7AIrubBEoUjwDRVaMn2AfRLTZ2gpOKNJ2R1KUjppSqwx3mthDyMjC1JWgHWOm0axOW4yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County’s noxious weed and household hazardous waste (HHW) staff told the commission July 3 they will tighten rules for the county’s discounted cost‑share herbicide program and reminded residents of upcoming HHW services.

Mike Kohler, Riley County noxious weed and HHW staff, told commissioners the program remains intended to make chemical treatment affordable for landowners with documented weeds, but a small number of users have attempted to obtain large volumes and use subsidies “off target.” To reduce misuse and comply with state requirements, Kohler proposed several operational changes the county will publish publicly.

Key changes Kohler described include: purchases over 65 gallons in a spray season will require a land inspection to verify noxious weed presence; landowners must be present at the time of purchase and one buyer cannot purchase for multiple landowners; payment will be required at the time of purchase; and all sales will be final. Kohler said 65 gallons would treat “well over 100 acres” and represents roughly 95% of current sales, so the rule targets a small number of very large purchasers.

Kohler said the Kansas Department of Agriculture has been reviewing county chemical programs and that the county has consulted with the department on the proposed guidelines. He also noted the schedule for state contracts and township spraying varies annually and confirmed county operators will continue regular roadside mowing and follow‑up spraying where needed.

On HHW, Kohler said the county’s household hazardous waste collection is scheduled for Saturday, July 12 from 8 a.m. to noon and that recycled latex paint remains available at the county facility. Kohler and staff also attended lithium‑ion battery training and visited a Colorado paint recycling operation to study programs that fund paint recycling through a small retail processing fee.

Kohler closed with a seasonal reminder about poison hemlock, a plant that can reach about 6 feet tall and remain toxic after it goes dormant. He urged residents to avoid ingestion and to report large patches; he noted poison hemlock is not currently classified as a state noxious weed because it is considered indigenous, although county roadside spraying can reduce local populations.

Commissioners asked how the county would implement the new rules; Kohler said rules and point‑of‑sale notices will be posted and the department will do targeted outreach to large purchasers.","Noxious weed staff proposed new guidelines for cost‑share chemical purchases, announced a household hazardous waste collection and warned the public about poison hemlock after a July 3 update to the county commission.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6511885,"Riley County budget review flags service cuts, treasurer proposes ending in‑office driver’s license processing",281,7446000,7727000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3&start=7446&end=7727","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5130474-9719cc5b5b6b40015c45912bbf047da3/thumbnail_7446000.jpg","/articles/6511885/Kansas/Riley-County-budget-review-flags-service-cuts-treasurer-proposes-ending-inoffice-drivers-license-processing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511885-b6f38454db278d63c981ef21e9029db7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770616837&Signature=H5Jn8KIMFHywZIl~noyMQdv-EPPyCLVExzzaaWXoVWPAzLQDaYAOZSH4YsZVU58R6aIfsbG9AIKWBtcdQS-IJ8~fT2zA0BF67vRodYOmhbaz-KfHcGQ1Iq~PdwV8oqPTeM6NKEthbkgYDBh93c1QSMhsKVpBgNUdfhaFsgAFM-M3Gmi8xsWXGTaO~njG8aomsA7ik~8hmdaQy13Cni~esgWAFAJV5nMfwJeRdXIqmdI2EafOtp3X7NiI0VaEF-n45sLmsSirB0P0nYC0sLFdBJ1zzMsrIjdYySIILByJ6ZwVtY73HGQBhr3SUlnqkWdPfk3wUNDQkB8ueOR5V4YUpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County commissioners heard a budget work session July 3 that outlined proposed cuts and new revenue options as staff try to close a multi‑million dollar gap and avoid going below the county's revenue neutral rate.

Budget and finance officer Britney Phillips told commissioners that falling “below the revenue neutral rate” could create deficits, force service cuts or borrowing and damage the county’s fiscal credibility. Phillips presented a list of changes that have already been made to bring the budget closer to balance and identified areas for further review, including the health department, public works and county services funded in part by the general fund.

Phillips said recent edits reduced several departmental requests, and she listed larger reductions including $338,027 in the health department budget. She said some of that reduction reflects timing and grant‑related carrying amounts: \"staying at or above the revenue neutral is critical for policy credibility and fiscal stability,\" Phillips said.

Riley County Treasurer Shiloh (first name used in the meeting) answered commissioners’ request to identify services that are not statutorily required and could be trimmed. Shiloh recommended several options for reducing costs or increasing revenues: ending the county’s in‑office driver’s license processing, reconsidering whether the county should continue some commercial and IRP (interstate registration) vehicle services, evaluating the building receptionist position and adopting a modest facility fee for motor vehicle transactions handled inside the county office building.

Shiloh estimated ending in‑office driver’s license services and not replacing an employee scheduled to retire could save roughly $50,000 through attrition; she noted most driver’s license transactions are a small‑volume courtesy to local residents and that a full‑service driver’s license office exists in an adjacent county. She also estimated a facility fee of $2.50 per in‑office motor‑vehicle transaction could yield $50,000–$75,000 in additional revenue, which would reduce the county’s general‑fund subsidy for motor vehicle operations.

Commissioners discussed tradeoffs. Several said they disliked adding fees but recognized the county has limited tools if the state does not increase funding for mandated state functions handled locally. One commissioner asked staff to pursue legislative assistance on state funding and fee structures; another said eliminating in‑office driver’s license services would likely cause public complaints but could be feasible. The board asked staff to return with precise numbers and implementation details.

The meeting record shows no final board vote on any of these specific cuts during the July 3 session; commissioners directed staff to prepare follow‑up information and to continue reviewing appropriations and program options ahead of budget adoption.

Ending note: staff said they will bring a detailed appropriation list and updated budget worksheet to upcoming meetings and will supply commissioners with clearer line‑item breakdowns before any final decisions are made.","At a July 3 budget work session, Riley County staff outlined a list of proposed reductions to meet revenue targets; the county treasurer proposed ending in‑office driver’s license services, adding a small facility fee and reconsidering other county services to close gaps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: commissioners approve advisory‑board appointments, minutes; recess into executive session

Planning staff: easement work continues for ‘Keith’ lagoon project; county schedules Aug. 5 workshop on comprehensive plan

Riley County weed program tightens rules for discounted herbicide sales; sets HHW and paint collection dates

Riley County budget review flags service cuts, treasurer proposes ending in‑office driver’s license processing