Time is “running short” for RCPD’s workers’ compensation self insurance

An October first deadline for the Riley County Police department’s workers’ compensation self-insurance certificate renewal is quickly approaching–which has RCPD Director Brad Schoen concerned. Schoen told the Riley County Law Board Monday “time is running short.”

Schoen and RCPD legal counsel Mike Gillespie stressed continued requests from state officials have made the process much more difficult this time around. Now local legislators have been asked to assist with a meeting involving the Secretary of Labor later this week…

The law board approved a resolution and funding agreement recommended by Gillespie and RCPD Director Brad Schoen–which will also be considered later this week by Manhattan City Commissioners and Riley County Commissioners–before being driven to Topeka in time for the meeting with state officials. Director Schoen added with that deadline, having to buy workers’ compensation on such short notice would be a costly proposition.

Law Board members Monday also heard about an interlocal radio communications systems agreement, which will be needed as various agencies determine the number of radios they’ll need with the new system planned by Riley County officials. Director Schoen was asked about possible overload and efficiency issues and also addressed the ability to work together better with state emergency groups. He assured the group this system will be much more efficient and said he believes ultimately they’ll be tied into the state system.

No action was taken on the radio item Monday, with the matter at this point for discussion only.

The group also heard about a grant application coming from the Kansas Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which would pay for a certified peer support worker in five of the state’s county jails including Riley County. Pawnee Mental Health Executive Director Robbin Cole explained how the grant would function if approved. Pawnee would likely find someone in recovery to work 20 hours a week with inmates facing mental illness who need help with issues such as housing, health insurance, or seeking disability benefits. Training of the peer support workers would also be involved.

Cole did indicate a local recommendation letter might move the grant up on the priority list–which the law board seemed supportive of.

And Riley County Law Board members Monday approved the purchase of seven vehicles as part of standard fleet vehicle replacements for the coming year. RCPD Captain Jeff Hooper added an additional vehicle, a training van,may also be replaced if funds are available later this year.