By Scott Edger
Little Apple Post
Last Thursday, the Riley County Board of Commissioners were notified that Flint Hills Regional Council was increasing membership dues for 2022. FHRC asked the Board to name a representative and decide whether or not the county would pay the increased dues by January 15.
The Council got its answer today.
During its regularly scheduled meeting, the Board voted 2-0 against the increased dues and withdrew from the FHRC. Commissioners John Ford and Greg McKinley voted to leave the group. Commissioner Kathryn Focke abstained.
Last week, commissioners asked Clancy Coleman, director of Administrative Services, to provide Commissioners with information on the Council and try to identify benefits of remaining a member.
Commissioners John Ford and Greg McKinley took exception to the requested increase, and indicated the Council’s increase is due to self-imposed financial woes and has not demonstrated real value in the past.
“I have problem with that,” Ford said. “I don't believe their loans should be placed on the backs of taxpayers. That's something that should be taken care of internally. I'm a point with this where I'm honestly ready to move on.”
McKinley said much of what he has seen from FHRC “was not useful” and that he hasn’t seen any value in the Council for years.” He noted discrepancies in claims made by FHRC leadership regarding population, and ineffective, generic results.