Riley County departments present largely flat budgets as public commenter urges cuts

Multiple Riley County department heads presented 2027 budget proposals May 7 that, overall, were modestly up or flat compared with 2026.

The district courts representative said the court's proposed budget is about $198,880, a roughly $1,750 increase (about 0.75%), and highlighted juror fees as an item that may need revision in the next year. Mike Buller, who presented the Noxious Weed & Hazardous Waste budget, said the division achieved near-flat spending but noted a vehicle-insurance increase after a truck fire caused roughly $16,000 in damage and that chemical costs remain volatile.

Anna Person of the Appraiser's Office said the department would not fund an as-needed clerical position in 2027 and increased the computer-software maintenance line because an appraisal-routing application is obsolete. Register of Deeds Amy Magers reported a mostly flat budget with small postage and mileage adjustments.

Public comment opened the meeting; resident Gary Oles urged commissioners to "find a way to hopefully hit revenue neutral or below" and recommended the commission look for efficiencies and consider user fees or service reductions where appropriate. "I look forward to hearing as many details as come out today and in the future with regards to the budget," Oles said.

Commissioners approved routine minutes and scheduled additional budget hearings and agenda items; several department presentations will return to the commission with more detailed line-item requests as part of the formal budget process.

Next steps: Budget hearings will continue; departments were asked to provide supporting line-item detail for the commission's revenue and appropriation decisions.