John Ellermann

The meeting included Commissioner Ford's report on his attendance at the NOA legislative and policy conference, including discussions with US House representatives and staff from Senator Roger Marshall's office regarding rural infrastructure and Fort Riley. He also attended a federal agency expo and met with US House Representative Derek Schmidt. Commission comments addressed updates on a local construction project, noting the storm shelter completion and the decision to use a metal canopy for the shade structure. A discussion occurred regarding amendments to the Highway 24 corridor study, specifically that it will no longer continue to the Riley intersection. The County Attorney reported on the successful prosecution rate in trials conducted in the last year (over 90% guilty verdicts) and expressed appreciation for the resources provided to hire qualified staff. Key actions included approvals for the low bid for a utility tractor, a construction agreement for the University Park wastewater facility, and various county employee action forms. There was also discussion concerning a new state bill (HB 274) related to property tax protest petition thresholds and its impact on budget deadlines.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comment included the presentation of the Employee of the Month for March, Aaron Brosterman, recognized for his genuine care and support. Commissioners provided updates on their activities, including discussions regarding a potential county administrator with the group from Steel and Pipe, and meetings with the Riley County Attorney to address questions and concerns. One commissioner detailed attendance at the 2026 NLC Annual Legislative Conference, including participation in committee meetings on community economic workforce and development, and the Veterans and Military Services Advisory Council meeting which focused on federal policy updates and mental well-being priorities. Another commissioner detailed meetings concerning reorganization plans, attended a Republicans breakfast, and visited the KState rodeo. A third commissioner's updates included attendance at a funeral and time spent reviewing personnel reorganization needs reports from David Cooper. Under new business, the commission approved a real estate sales data service agreement and tax rule corrections. Separately, a representative from Pawnee Mental Health provided updates, highlighting the expansion of mobile crisis response services to 24/7, which achieved an 84-85% diversion rate. They also discussed the 'New Day at Pawnee' campaign to raise awareness of their expanded service area across 10 counties, the establishment of a correctional mental health program with a jail liaison position, and the success of their recent advocacy day and 'Pancakes for Pawnee' fundraiser.

The meeting covered several administrative and budgetary topics. Discussions included staff updates, such as the separation of a Public Works Operator and the new hire of a Building Maintenance Tech, where the hiring process was noted as lengthy. Financial reports were reviewed, including year-to-date budget activity for 2025, wage and overtime comparisons, and detailed expense breakdowns for the County General fund and Enterprise Funds. Specific attention was given to budget areas over the 25% benchmark, such as Community Corrections, and noting that budget stabilization funds remain largely untouched, which is intentional due to potential future disasters. Concerns were raised regarding potential overruns in Indigent Attorney expenditures due to new contracts and ongoing high off-panel expenditures. Financial data inconsistencies in comparison reports were noted for correction. Furthermore, expenditures related to the Law Enforcement Center, including 100% Riley County coverage for inmate medical needs, were reviewed. High physician fees, driven by psychotropic drug costs and the sheer inmate population, were highlighted as a continuing financial pressure point, as was the cost of additional nursing staff borne entirely by the county. Offsite inmate medical expenses and housing costs were also presented.

The meeting began with a motion to substitute administrative time with an executive session for attorney-client consultation regarding personnel matters and an exception to the Kansas open meetings act. Commission comments included updates on the downtown offices renovation progress, which appeared modern with new carpet installation. There were discussions about the K State vs. Iowa State game outcome and the Groundhog Day prediction regarding the weather. Business items included the approval of tax role corrections and the minutes from the January 29th meeting. A discussion also took place regarding the tentative county officials luncheon schedule. A department update noted that the wait list for Kansas services exceeded its 4,000 cap, reaching 4,788 individuals, and highlighted concerns about the community support waiver structure and capacity issues for Big Lakes, which is short 40 full-time staff members. Fundraising efforts, including an annual giving campaign that raised $66,000 for group home remodeling, were reported, along with updates on HVAC and main breaker replacements. The RCPD reported on planning for Fake Patty's Day.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a public comments segment that yielded no speakers. Commissioner comments included updates on discussions with the Randolph Seniors regarding senior meal funding allocations, clarifying that funding designation restrictions apply at the Council on Aging level. Other reported activities involved attending the Military Relations Committee meeting where topics included low military recruitment numbers and the support mission of the AUSA, and attending the West Loop Business Association meeting, noting the farewell address from a retiring member. A Monday special meeting was held to address a cybersecurity incident, with acknowledgments for the swift response. Other external matters discussed included a cybersecurity incident in Jackson County, Missouri, causing issues with their tax/payroll system, and the failure of their 38 sales tax extension, which funds the Sports Authority. Business items included the approval of the bid from Shilling Construction Company for the 2024 Asphalt Overlay Program and approval of employee action forms for hiring, separation, and new clerical assignments across various departments. Commissioners also discussed obtaining a budget estimate for window replacement throughout the main building, given ongoing renovations and the poor condition of existing windows, and confirmed that the roof replacement for a specific section is scheduled for May. Finally, there was a brief discussion regarding correspondence about changing speed limits on county roads in the urban boundary area.