County clerk and finance officer brief commissioners on year‑to‑date finances and ARPA spending

Rich Barelli, Riley County Clerk, and Britney Phillips, Budget and Finance Officer, delivered a multi‑part financial update to the commission on June 8 covering wages and overtime, certified assessed values, fund balances, and ARPA spending.

Barelli summarized the 2026 year‑to‑date wages and overtime compared with budget and highlighted that while a few departments exceeded the proportional benchmark, there were "no big red flags" in the overall snapshot. He noted the county's miscellaneous budget stabilization balance of $4.25 million.

Phillips presented cash‑flow details across economic development, county building, CIP, sales‑tax projects and ARPA. She said Make My Move project expenditures and other CIP charges have increased recent spending and that ARPA funds are being used for the emergency‑management remodel. "All of those ARPA funds, which we're well on track for, have to be spent by the end of this year," Phillips said; she advised commissioners that staff will prepare a budget amendment because current spending creates a projected $603,000 deficit that will be covered from CARES reserve/CIP accounts.

Phillips also noted the county is awaiting the next distribution tied to a Make My Move grant and that some planned reimbursements (half‑cent sales tax for a Marlet project) are still being processed. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing and sources; staff said they will return with any necessary amendments and a revised cash‑flow forecast if required.

The presentation closed with routine questions about use of ARPA funds, the status of North County ambulance allocations, and confirmation that the county remains accountable to ARPA spending deadlines.