Riley County Noxious Weed director seeks lien to collect unpaid chemical sale; commissioners sign annual report and 2025 management plan

Mike Mueller, Riley County's noxious weed administrator, told the commission he had followed county procedure and attempted multiple contacts with a property owner who did not pay $80 worth of cost-share chemical sold by the department.

"I am proposing that we put a $204.16 property lien on this property," Mueller said, describing steps the office had taken (certified letters, personal contact) and that he had consulted county counsel before bringing the matter to the board.

Mueller also updated commissioners on routine spring work: bare-ground spraying, roadside seeding, rental sprayer service for residents, and the department's new tractor and mower. He reported hazardous-material removals at the county Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) facility and said Clean Harbors removed a cyanide shipment earlier this year. Regarding a separate Balla site cleanup, Mueller said state transport rules require identification of unknown chemicals before moving them and that local fire department capabilities may speed analysis.

After Mueller's presentation, Commissioner John moved to approve filing the lien paperwork with the county clerk and register of deeds; the motion was seconded and passed. Later in the meeting the commission also voted to approve Mueller's 2024 annual report and the 2025 management plan, documents Mueller said summarize surveys, treatment acreage and department operations and are required by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Mueller emphasized the department's cost-share and rental programs, which he said remain available to county residents even as the office enforces collection when buyers will not pay.

The commission recorded no additional conditions on the lien filing; Mueller said he had taken the administrative steps required by statute and would file the paperwork if the board approved.

The vote to approve the annual report and management plan was unanimous; commissioners signed both documents so Mueller could submit them to state authorities.

Mueller closed by reminding the board that spring conditions drive both desirable vegetation and weed growth, and by noting regional training and HHW collection dates scheduled for the coming weeks.