The Riley County commissioners approved a letter to be sent to the state in regards to Senate Bill 190 on Monday.
County Counselor Clancy Holeman says the county specifically has an issue with Section 3 Three of the bill. This would cancel the Local Ad Valorem Funds (LAVRF) and County City Revenue Sharing (CCRS) statutes for local highway projects.
During the Joint City/County/County meeting on April 18th, the commissioners discussed writing a letter to the state. Holeman drafted the letter and presented it to the commissioners. The letter is to show the objection the commissioners have and get the support from other government entities on their side.
Holeman sent the letter to all in attendance at the joint meeting as well as the City of Wamego, Geary County Commission, and Representative Lonnie Clark to garner support.
Commissioner Marvin Rodriguez suggested adding the Mayor of Clay Center James Thatcher and Commissioner John Ford suggeted Ogden Mayor Robert Pence.
Chairman Ron Wells was very vocal about the the subject saying he was not happy the way the state is heading.
“The direction the state is going, it’s not going to get better. They’re going to continue taking money and dumping more and more responsibility on cities and counties,” said Wells.
Wells and Holeman both say they have not been given any justification for the cancellation of these two statutes, even in the bill.
The letter was also brought to the intergovernmental luncheon on Monday to get more support. So far the Pottawatomie County Commission and Manhattan City Commission show interest.
The letter will be sent out sometime this week.
Also during the meeting, Wells, along with Pawnee Mental Health Services Executive Director Robbin Cole, proclaimed May to be Mental Health Month 2019 for Riley County.
The proclamation is meant to have the community, government, and businesses help raise awareness and promote getting help in Riley County.
Cole also presented an update on Pawnee Mental Health which included the groundbreaking ceremony for their mental health crisis stabilization center.
The Ogden Township also requested the installation of a new stop sign during the meeting.
Public Works Director Leon Hobson says this sign is being requested to be put in at the intersection of South 32nd Street and Cimarron Trail. BG Consultants were contacted to conduct a traffic study. Their recommendation was to install a yield sign, but the township wants a stop sign.
BG Consultants also recommended a geometric change and additional curve signs. The township agreed to the additional signs, but does not want the geometric change.
The price of the sign’s installation and maintenance will be the responsibility of the township.
The commissioners approved the sign.
