Riley County Law Board members were apparently in an approval type of mode Monday, with unanimous approval of the proposed Riley County Police Department 2018 budget for publication after several weeks of discussion . The budget for publication calls for a 1.824 percent increase for $20,682,000.70.
The proposed budget includes a step increase for eligible personnel, .8 percent cost of living increase, shift differential pay, education pay of $200 per month for all employees with a four year degree, and a contract for the mental health advocate.
The measure passed without much discussion, with board member Marvin Rodriguez originally questioning the impact on the Riley County budget.
Also approved unanimously Monday was a Fort Riley shooting range interlocal agreement, which had been approved by Riley County Commissioners earlier in the day.
Law Boad member and Manhattan Mayor Usha Reddi said she was “excited that it’s here,” but describing the process as a long and kind of arduous oen but very positive for taxpayers. , She wasn’t the only one supportive of the new range agreement, with law board chair Craig Beardsley also indicating support. He described is “as really much better than I thought” and “absolutely great.” Beardsley also talked about the importance of cooperation of different governmental groups…
A contract for service with Country Stampede described as pretty much identical with previous years was also favorably received by the group.
Riley County Police mental health co-responder Jessica Blasi talked to Riley County Law board members about some of the work she’s already done in the fairly new program. Blasi tries to get to more than one individual call a day, having responded to 40 total since starting, which includes follow-up. She indicates she enjoys working with the police officers and working together as a team, adding “it’s treat to see all of this kind of come together.”
Many of the calls have involved addiction issues, with Blasi says “we’re going to continue to push forward for these clients.”. She added to have other people offer to help or ask how you’re doing makes all the difference..
Captain Josh Kyle who has been working with the co-responders, was not able to be present at the law board meeting Monday–but several numbers presented continue to show the large number of such calls on a daily basis. Blasi explained she also worked with the jail inmates as needed.
And flags are half-staff state-wide, with Monday being law enforcement memorial day. Riley County has six cases of its own through the years, and a moment of silence was taken to recognize the day at Monday’s Riley County Law Board meeting.
