Riley County commissioners approve generator purchase, several permits and routine payroll

Riley County commissioners on May 14 approved a series of routine agenda items, and authorized an immediate purchase to replace a failed law enforcement center generator.

The board approved motions to grant a highway use permit to Riley County Rural Water District 1 to bore and install a 4-inch sleeve with a 2-inch carrier pipe to service two Anderson Avenue addresses; to issue a fireworks-display permit for the Randolph Lions Club’s July 4 show; to appoint the interim health director as the local health program administrator until the board determines otherwise; to approve a tax-roll correction; to accept employee action forms including hires and separations; and to approve payroll and accounts payable for May 15. All motions were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Public works staff reported the law enforcement center’s 26-year-old backup generator suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. While the county was covering power needs with a rental unit costing about $9,000 per month, staff recommended buying a replacement rather than repairing the aging machine. The board approved purchasing a replacement generator through the county’s capital improvement project allocation and authorized a sole-source procurement from Polar Power Solutions; staff said an in-stock replacement would reduce ongoing rental costs and shorten downtime for critical jail, camera and dispatch systems. The generator price cited in the discussion was roughly $229,000 and electrical/installation work will be funded through an approved CIP project.

The commission recessed into a brief executive session under the attorney–client consultation exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act and returned with a record stating action would follow the consensus reached there.

The meeting concluded after additional budget presentations and discussion of a proposed county administrator position.