Riley County police outline costs, facility needs if animal control shifts from city to county

Riley County Police Department Director Brian Pete told the county commission on May 26 that his department can assume the city’s animal control officer (ACO) functions but recommended written agreements and additional funding to avoid unplanned costs.

Pete said RCPD staff have reviewed operational needs and estimate initial facility conversion and relocation costs if the county absorbs the service. He said two short-term facility options exist in the department’s current building but that building out a ventilated, environmentally controlled kennel or dedicated holding area would likely cost roughly $200,000. He added the county could repurpose a conference/interview room or half of an existing basement storage area but that either option requires funding and planning.

The nut graf: The presentation focused on…