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Resident urges county to weigh RCPD cost as officials draft 2027 budget
Summary
A Manhattan resident urged Riley County commissioners to consider rising local law-enforcement costs during development of the 2027 budget, saying current assessments are unaffordable for homeowners.
Gary Oles, a Manhattan homeowner, told the Riley County Commission on Aug. 25 that the county’s current law-enforcement assessment is a growing burden for property owners and urged commissioners to consider it while preparing the 2027 budget.
“From a per capita standpoint, RCPD is quite affordable. For a guy who owns a $270,000 home, RCPD is not affordable,” Oles said during the public-comment portion of the meeting. He said he and his wife pay about $800 each and asked commissioners to keep law-enforcement costs “in the front of your mind” as they consider next year’s budget.
Oles said he was referencing a county hearing scheduled for Sept. 4 on “r and r” and that he could not attend the law board meeting where the item will be discussed. He estimated that Riley County contributes roughly 20% toward the law-enforcement costs he cited and expressed concern that property-tax bills are dominated by public safety and debt service.
“Where can I get protected for less than $800 a year?” Oles asked. He also suggested expanding local sales-tax authority as one possible way to diversify revenue for agencies such as the RCPD.
Commissioners did not take formal action during the public-comment period. The speaker’s remarks were recorded for the transcript and will be considered alongside other public input as county staff and elected officials prepare budget proposals.
The comment came early in a meeting that included multiple administrative and program updates. Oles asked commissioners to consider whether current funding arrangements remain sustainable as cities and counties face increasing demand for public safety services.
No follow-up motion or directive was recorded during the meeting’s public-comment item.
