The Riley County Law Board approved a motion on Monday to publish a budget that will be officially voted on at their meeting next month.
After initially presenting last month a budget of $28.9 million, with an increase of 6.6%, RCPD presented other options Monday, showing reduced asks, totaling between 5 and 6 percent. The Law Board ultimately selected option 2, totaling a 5.88% increase, amounting to $28.5 million. The total dollar amount increase is approximately $1.8 million.
Debate on Monday centered around funding for school resource officers. Board member Kaleb James led the argument saying that while SROs are important, the additional funding for them would lead to higher taxes.
Board member and county attorney Barry Wilkerson disagreed saying SROs have been used to curb things like sex offenders and other criminal activity.
Board member Patricia Hudgins disagreed saying that SROs are important particularly with the addition of sixth grade to the middle schools.
Board chair John Matta agreed with James’ argument.
The board voted 4-2 to publish budget option No. 2, and will come back June 17 to consider finalizing the budget.
