Raleigh County Commission debates cola rates amidst taxpayer concerns

The Riley County Commission meeting held on July 14, 2025, focused on discussions surrounding cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for local government employees. The meeting began with a review of the proposed COLA rates, which are set to be 2.7% for the Riley County Police Department and 2.4% for other county employees.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the city manager's recommendation for a 0% COLA, which some commissioners opposed, advocating instead for a 3% increase. This divergence in recommendations prompted a broader discussion about the rationale behind varying COLA rates among different jurisdictions, including Gary County's proposed 1% and Junction City's undecided stance.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the implications of these decisions on taxpayers, highlighting the challenge of balancing employee compensation with fiscal responsibility. The meeting underscored the complexities elected officials face in making budgetary decisions that impact both public service employees and the community at large.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that further discussions would be necessary, particularly in light of the upcoming city commission meeting where these COLA recommendations would be debated. The commission's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the financial landscape for both employees and taxpayers in Riley County.