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Commission directs creation of Peterson Ranch benefit district after protest period
Summary
After a public hearing and staff explanation of a prior administrative error, the Riley County Commission authorized public works to establish a fund for the Peterson Ranch Street Benefit District on or after July 1 if no valid protests are filed by June 30.
The Riley County Commission on June 26 opened a public hearing on a petition to create the Peterson Ranch Street Benefit District and then passed a motion directing the director of public works to establish a fund for the district on or after July 1, 2025 so long as no valid protest petitions are filed by June 30.
Public commenters, including Lynn Bleckett of the Peterson Ranch Homeowners Association, asked why the hearing was delayed and whether the project could still be completed in the current paving season. County staff and the county clerk said the delay resulted from an internal policy step missed during a staff transition; staff apologized and said team members met to reinforce the procedures so the error will not recur.
County staff and bond counsel said their intent is to proceed promptly after the protest period ends so bid documents can be advertised and the project put to bid. Staff indicated bids could be opened in late July depending on the timing of the advertisement and the public works' readiness; commissioners and public members requested an opportunity for district board members to review bids before the commission acts.
Commissioners moved, seconded and voted to direct public works to establish the fund and to proceed with bidding after June 30 if no valid protests are filed. Staff said they will begin preparing bid documents and coordinate with bond counsel so financing steps and bidding can proceed without further delay.
