[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6664507,"mediaKeyId","2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3","parentId",2380642,"title","Planning director outlines timeline, stakeholder outreach for Riley County comprehensive plan update","audioSeconds",218,"startMs",4385000,"endMs",4603000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3&start=4385&end=4603","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3/thumbnail_4385000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6664507/Kansas/Planning-director-outlines-timeline-stakeholder-outreach-for-Riley-County-comprehensive-plan-update","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664507-029900a65a9cef82f48427c3dad9d4e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189427&Signature=NKclG2vur~eIzJB-aM8OUIyFNohBESLQi3CIAl8hD3qTHNEey8JCnYAVH-ywRrEmosv3TJuEnqB88PGEL6FeyVgQGo1g54BGgLrUBeTPzYRfXtMsYiGFhYJNCBrhcN6LNo988fyn--O1UHrKPtq-vlSTyVqVw00OhjgVSEPGVUMPEhlC0rkJHPsD5WduOZch45HB9SOxeICz09GQkUigBuEcFI3iUFeG19NBzKUXr5807vG1JvtWuf1BvcORuAcZDbso1qLzpzVpEoI-ic~zgQNNVKZ5ro1KTmqB455rrocRpJ4UwBjxiSofnXbXcFI41z3L6xMveHQzgi81oSFKTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Riley County","date","2025-02-24T16:49:57.817Z","article","Amanda Webb, Riley County planning director, updated commissioners on the county’s comprehensive plan update, saying the county and consultant Stantec are targeting an October 2025 adoption and are conducting background analyses and stakeholder outreach.

Webb said Stantec is completing a market analysis and an existing‑conditions study that will provide population, land‑use and housing baseline information; the existing‑conditions report is expected in April. She said the project team is also updating demographic data and preparing a stakeholders list for interviews, and that materials — including the project schedule — are posted on a dedicated project website.

Webb said the comprehensive‑plan committee (the project technical advisory group) has reconvened and Stantec is presenting methodology, background findings and identified challenges. She asked commissioners to review the stakeholder list once it is circulated and to suggest additions. Webb said public engagement activities and interview schedules will be held in coming weeks.

The planning director said the consultant will consolidate findings, draft plan elements and return to commissioners for review ahead of the proposed October adoption date. Webb encouraged commissioners and members of the public to use a dedicated email address and the project website to submit comments and to monitor the project schedule.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2/24/2025 Board of Riley County Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Planning Director Amanda Webb reported the county is targeting an October 2025 adoption for the comprehensive plan update, described background studies being prepared by consultant Stantec and said stakeholder interviews and a stakeholder list are being assembled.","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},6664512,"Corrections officials warn KDOC application timing and funding changes will affect Riley County appropriations",342,7208000,7550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3&start=7208&end=7550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3/thumbnail_7208000.jpg","/articles/6664512/Kansas/Corrections-officials-warn-KDOC-application-timing-and-funding-changes-will-affect-Riley-County-appropriations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664512-b256abf3bd9544b8cc1a8eb3a069c472/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189427&Signature=Hfk9j70XjlniDFnw~jDWSaVfTkvFzj-8eGnskvXWSTIa0AiZResW-W42dPtwbNwbFanPq4iBoQNHSmTRtQKhqtzQvkRTpbyVU~eb-kGIzwA9lK41ZdiZgpxKPVLd1mz1W4QWLHg02-Gj0Pel8id7xA~msP7S4YZ-WH6Q3eZHcqPbe4G6bcOl~gtiDc-Y8DJFMwF7Nc2k0sjeCmLPt9S8ZoHQRu~4hIy8per2HQZtq0ppsswoADIoXqALe0EJl00DgXluu8rMBSBoj9CGRpp4KtWx2uveFD3yVOJir8-0KEw7nntGJRRM8MhfFH-k9zYXFuaa~MsHw-rm2VG4UYoZ5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Unity Corrections officials told the Riley County Commission that changes to the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) application process and funding schedule have compressed deadlines and could require the county to set appropriations in close coordination with state submissions.

At the meeting Unity Corrections Director Megan Lewis said KDOC moved its application deadline earlier this year, which complicated the county’s budgeting and grant work. Lewis said the KDOC draft would request approximately $187,299.86 in county appropriations to cover a portion of personnel costs not paid by the state; that figure assumes a 2.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA). Officials said the county would reduce the requested appropriation if a COLA is not approved by commissioners.

Lewis also reminded the public that the county’s special alcohol (county alcohol tax) application is open through March 30, 2025 at 5 p.m.; as of Jan. 31 the available special alcohol funds balance was $17,736.71. Lewis said the Joint Corrections Advisory Board will review proposals and forward recommendations to the commission for final approval; historically, the funds support prevention and education programming for alcohol‑related issues.

County budget staff said they will present a combined request for Riley County appropriations to match KDOC submissions so commissioners can approve county funding at the same time the corrections application is filed. Budget Officer Britney Phillips told commissioners officials are working to reconcile state workbook format changes and other new KDOC requirements. Phillips said staff intend to present final appropriation numbers to the commission at a March meeting.

Lewis said Unity Corrections’ operational data for January showed 17 juvenile intakes and 33 active youth‑court participants in January, and that adult supervision averages remain steady. She said staff are coordinating with Clay County on shared services and that Clay County will contribute toward the county’s funding request where applicable.

Commissioners asked staff to return with final appropriation language and figures at a future meeting; Lewis asked commissioners to expect a staff presentation on March 10 tied to the KDOC submission schedule.","Unity Corrections staff briefed commissioners on KDOC application timing, requested county appropriations and county alcohol tax fund grant availability; staff said KDOC draft asks for roughly $187,300 in county appropriations (including a 2.7% COLA) and warned of compressed deadlines.",{"_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},6664517,"County counselor urges interlocal agreement to clarify animal‑control roles as Prairie Paws contract renews",730,6321000,7051000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3&start=6321&end=7051","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3/thumbnail_6321000.jpg","/articles/6664517/Kansas/County-counselor-urges-interlocal-agreement-to-clarify-animalcontrol-roles-as-Prairie-Paws-contract-renews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664517-a8c9aa7e903ce57d65ae92ae9423d357/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189427&Signature=KpOVQ0g59ECVm5KxYn~NsoThG~42xtsxqMj~E7YY9LzfjukE7Fx-6QYeHrey7p54JzdllJZ9N0H7iItHiF0~fBkYGaXRwbnfEfrC0A0BqZz85hMCg1Urvpcx2oVJ1leh1RQCDR2uZob8xS2E4h~Wq0wYvpWDqgYDKWehPByDl9Sz-RRgmg3d3GvgIdgWLeVU5VXX3W7Wf9JZcWBP6s3kPTb~la5iZ7hzFC9xUDMmGinJaxJrmpmHTzP9tR7z~tSUHZep9zSO17eEJqIh6wCQzTn3gvIyBFbc2KEdIyjud4Ew23H-YspQN92jOEFWIyuWm4FrVPgeRko4t5jtt4PS2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County’s legal counsel advised commissioners that any transfer of animal‑control responsibilities to county law enforcement should be governed by a written interlocal agreement clarifying which government owns facilities and what services each party will perform.

The discussion came as commissioners and staff reviewed the Prairie Paws animal shelter contract and debated funding while the county and cities consider how animal control duties should be provided in the future.

County Counselor Bridal Parker told the commission the county should avoid assuming ownership of a city‑owned shelter and described an interlocal agreement as the appropriate vehicle: “If one or more governments is participating in an interlocal agreement and has the power to do something, then all of the participants would have that power,” Parker said, adding that a written agreement would also make clear the county would not be responsible for ongoing facility maintenance if it does not own the shelter.

Officials said Prairie Paws had been documenting animals voluntarily surrendered from Riley County and surrounding jurisdictions while the county currently lacks a full animal‑control pickup system. Staff reported the current contract period and payment review would reach a milestone “as of the end of this month,” with March 1 identified as the date when the county would set an amount for future remuneration.

Commissioners and staff discussed the need to harmonize city and county ordinances and enforcement practices. One commissioner noted past discrepancies between city and county animal codes, and counsel advised the county could draft a model ordinance to help smaller municipalities adopt consistent rules.

County staff said they would present current contract numbers and proposals to the commission at a future meeting to seek direction on negotiation and any changes to funding. No final decision to transfer animal control duties to Riley County Police Department was made at the meeting; staff said a detailed study and law‑board discussions remain ongoing to determine whether RCPD will assume services and how costs and facilities would be handled.","County legal counsel told commissioners that if county law enforcement takes on animal‑control duties, the arrangement should be an interlocal agreement that clarifies ownership and operations; staff also discussed current payments to Prairie Paws and the need for coordinated city/county ordinances.",{"_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},6664520,"Riley County commissioners approve administrative measures, personnel posting and office‑hours change",3872,484000,4356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3&start=484&end=4356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3/thumbnail_484000.jpg","/articles/6664520/Kansas/Riley-County-commissioners-approve-administrative-measures-personnel-posting-and-officehours-change","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664520-65d839790951cb47ac269c8c585956aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189427&Signature=OJs4Yof0izzniOOphggqJFpM0QeeuyBYOCut~ODSH1heTaIcebIcKRztIz0BzVPHTwu6f1fh9tFgCpDOyVOyaZq8xozm1YnupWZI~cNet0TxfdulmOBbm3NytuW00BOzQJguwi86uUHghh4-JtCXpjYrZkowM2ZDxVlRZNVd1CnX4e94Yjl~2kPnG~xbl880hqo~sAUhBbhi~pVQDre0A9I6WBSsQp6dh6NXp3kM6Oo7icaaHS0JCINsdYRK1caraZ~fljCgBCNqZlNVs~nU3Ejqxiwev1OS~GAv8-bHzycyKaaBVshNT5bdfJW47Dqukp-D7nY3qRUbJyHG2A9zaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County commissioners on Feb. 24 approved a series of administrative motions, including tax roll corrections, corrections to minutes, revised public‑works administrative office hours and the posting and refilling of a residential appraisal supervisor position.

The panel adopted each motion by voice vote during a meeting that combined routine business with longer policy discussions elsewhere on the agenda.

Votes at a glance

- Tax roll corrections: Motion to approve tax roll corrections as listed. Outcome: approved by voice vote. (Agenda provenance: item introduced at the meeting’s business segment; staff requested signatures.)

- Approval of minutes from the Feb. 20 meeting: Motion to approve minutes as presented. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Public Works administrative hours: Motion to change administrative office hours for Public Works (including weed and household hazardous waste functions) to 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 7:30 a.m.–noon Friday; road and bridge crews remain on existing schedules. Outcome: approved by voice vote. Staff said the change primarily affects administrative staff and will be implemented after customer notice.

- Residential appraisal supervisor posting/refill (Appraiser’s Office): Motion to post and refill a redesigned residential appraisal supervisor position (reclassifying duties to create separate commercial and residential supervisory tracks). Outcome: approved by voice vote. Appraiser Anne Berson told commissioners the change involves no net increase in authorized headcount and is budgeted.

How motions were handled

All four items were presented as routine administrative business and had limited debate. Where commissioners asked questions — for example about the public‑works hours change — staff described operational details such as which crews would keep existing shifts and how customers who need in‑person services would be notified.

Documentation and next steps

Staff were directed to implement the approved administrative actions and to obtain required signatures where applicable. The appraisal office will post the vacancy immediately and proceed with recruitment under existing budgeted headcount.","At the Feb. 24 meeting the commission approved several routine but formal actions: tax roll corrections, meeting minutes, revised public‑works administrative hours and posting/refilling an appraisal supervisor position.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6664523,"Riley County approves CDL training loan-forgiveness program for public-works hires",496,2706000,3202000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3&start=2706&end=3202","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2380642-30e390ec708aaf7b08d257ff2537b3d3/thumbnail_2706000.jpg","/articles/6664523/Kansas/Riley-County-approves-CDL-training-loan-forgiveness-program-for-public-works-hires","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664523-9fe3753745f9a4859947c87cfbeb0768/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189427&Signature=MhaXDa8gtw3dlkFQebJunig8JYMqOlKZgczSmhlHn2PLolZJ7AlzdPA7Kz7G4HP-a8XradmtVXVYa8NDV0AHJvBfTtj5ruw71FfXeCUVaiJ7rlbH6R~bRLn5-dxTyqlouLhobSSFCN6g5NBlBroKVXffj702eYtDZ-WMKb0F0sZVsaLA0A5nSVQu3FmfT3jByuMFRrkypIWK-6Sznbu325KsI5swIfc07safv1f8IKqINaHhdlmRtR7XXqo7gS8j4WFmwqdzzRCdSii2APQ~GD4~ytuE1VSGz-GDbhz6qu~sb4kmi0xOYRgY7smb0FQX7HJR9KtH9ffG71w~jQIUbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County commissioners voted to approve a training loan‑forgiveness program that will pay for commercial driver license (CDL) training for public‑works employees in exchange for an employee commitment to remain with the county for at least one year.

The program, proposed by Public Works staff, authorizes the county to pay for outside CDL trainers and to sign an agreement with trainees requiring repayment or legal recovery if an employee leaves before the agreed period. Commissioners approved the motion by voice vote.

Public Works Director John Ellerman told the commission the county has struggled to recruit CDL drivers and currently spends significant staff time training candidates in‑house. “What we'd like to do is ... start using [consultants] — they'll come in for a certain price, put them in our truck, but they're doing the training with that driver,” Ellerman said, describing options ranging from a low‑cost, classroom‑only package to a comprehensive, on‑site program.

Ellerman said the county’s recommended program runs about $5,500 per trainee, which trainers said includes multiple days of hands‑on coaching and a high pass rate. He told commissioners the $5,500 option is “high, but not compared to hiring, finding, training, and taking two people off the job.” He added the program would include an agreement requiring trainees to remain employed for at least one year or reimburse the county for training costs.

Commissioners pressed staff on how repayment would work. A commissioner noted a large up‑front cost could exceed a final paycheck and asked whether a prorated payback schedule had been drafted. Ellerman said the written contract presented to the county attorney did not include proration; he said staff used the contract to request full reimbursement but had discussed prorated alternatives during the meeting.

County legal counsel Bridal Parker said enforceability would be evaluated case‑by‑case but described a standard legal remedy if an employee left shortly after training: “We would just go and file a case in the district court under ... [the small‑claims/judgment] procedure” and, if necessary, seek wage garnishment from a future employer to satisfy a judgment. Parker said the county must balance enforceability against the practical limits of payroll deductions and the likelihood of recovering the full cost from a final paycheck.

Commissioners also discussed alternative designs to limit risk, including partial payroll deductions during the probationary period or requiring the employee to repay a prorated amount if they left early. Human resources and payroll constraints, county officials said, make payroll recoupment imperfect: “We can only recoup so much on the last paycheck,” one commissioner said.

Ellerman and other staff said the program also contemplates performance and training contingencies: if a trainee fails to pass despite good‑faith effort, managers would evaluate whether recoupment applies. Administrative supervisors said job offers already include expectations that some hires must obtain a CDL within a specified timeframe.

After the discussion commissioners moved and seconded approval of the county’s use of the training loan‑forgiveness agreement; the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff said they will finalize the agreement language and return to implement the program with written hiring agreements that reflect legal guidance and payroll limits.

The county did not set a program start date at the meeting; staff said details — including the vendor selected and exact repayment language — will be finalized in forthcoming administrative materials.","The Riley County Commission approved a program to pay for employees' commercial driver licenses (CDLs) in exchange for a one-year retention commitment; commissioners debated program costs, repayment enforcement and whether to require prorated repayment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning director outlines timeline, stakeholder outreach for Riley County comprehensive plan update

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County counselor urges interlocal agreement to clarify animal‑control roles as Prairie Paws contract renews

Riley County commissioners approve administrative measures, personnel posting and office‑hours change

Riley County approves CDL training loan-forgiveness program for public-works hires