Should the Riley County Police Department have a partially self-funded workers compensation plan? That was one matter examined at Monday’s Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Law Board meeting. RCPD Director Brad Schoen indicates the matter is primarily for discussion at this time, with a presentation Monday by Assurance Partners representatives Jim Wilson and Leslie Webb.
Manhattan Assistant City Manager Kiel Mangus was asked to comment during the meeting about the possibility of such a proposal. While he said he thinks all the avenues possible need to be looked at and that the city is self-funded for health insurance, that it’s different with law enforcement putting lives in danger every day.
One board member supporting consolidation among the city and county governmental groups on this matter was Wynn Butler, who said the city and Riley County is paying for RCPD anyway.
No action was taken at this time although there was some discussion of substantial cost savings that could amount to 400,000 dollars.
While KMAN told you about the contract approved for Riley County Police Director Brad Schoen last week, a final contract approved to be signed Monday was a bit more than previously announced. The vote to have the Board Chair sign the contract for $136,695 was approved following an executive session. Board member Barry Wilkerson made the motion, which was seconded by fellow board member Karen McCulloh.
The group also approved general orders as proposed by RCPD Assistant Director John Doehling (doh’ ling) regarding the RCPD salary program and racial or other bias based profiling. And a maintenance agreement with K-Comm was approved by the board.
And the Riley County Police Department is continuing to work toward having an officer who would work with the FBI, as reported at an earlier Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Law Board meeting, with the application process already starting. But RCPD Counsel Mike Gillespie told the law board Monday he still has some concerns about an indemnification provision involving responsibility for the officer with the FBI vehicle. Gillespie indicates he put some clarification into that verbage and adds he’ll continue to work with the FBI’s legal crew.And a Certificate of Promotion was presented to Sergeant Joshua Spencer, who has been working as a Corrections Officer.
