Commissioners from Manhattan, Riley County, and Pottawatomie County met Thursday afternoon for the monthly Joint City/County meeting . The only item on the agenda was to discuss areas for Cooperation and Collaboration. Riley County Commissioner, Robert Boyd, opened the discussion by asking how Manhattan and Riley County could work together to improve the current Graphic Information Systems (GIS) service. “The problem with collaboration is you’ve got four or five fingers in there, nobody’s in charge, and it tends to not work,” said Wynn Butler, Manhattan City Commissioner.
The conversation shifted to taking a look at the big picture and the possibility of one day, consolidating local governments. Riley County Commissioner, Dave Lewis, expressed interest in consolidation talks, but said voters he’s talked with have no interest in living under a consolidated government.
Pottawatomie County Commissioner, Pat Weixelman, expressed concern about the share that smaller communities would receive in a potential merge of City and County services.
Manhattan City Commissioner, Karen Mcculloh has provided essential leadership in the movement for an inter-community mental health care facility. In the closing minutes of Tuesday’s meeting, Mcculloh said very little progress can be made until the State releases its budget.
Few conclusions were reached, however Commissioners from Manhattan and Riley County did agree to start formulating plans to collaborate on improving the GIS. Consolidation talks will continue during next month’s joint city/county meeting.
