The approved budget is $30.3 million, an increase of 5.406% over the 2025 budget. The 2026 approved budget will provide the resources necessary for the agency to meet its strategic goals of minimizing the financial and social cost of public safety, maintaining a safe and secure community, promoting legitimacy in the eyes of the public, and creating a culture of service throughout the organization.
“The priorities of the 2026 RCPD budget are supporting our workforce, those who built and sustained our agency successes, keeping up with increasing operational costs, and managing new directives within our law enforcement nexus.” Director Brian Peete said.
With the allocation of additional funding, the department will apply salary adjustments for employees, increase health insurance contributions, and fund contractual services.
The 2026 budget also includes funding to assume responsibility for the Animal Control Program, which is currently funded by the City of Manhattan and managed by the Manhattan Fire Department. Beginning in 2026, the program will employ three Animal Control Officers who will respond to calls throughout all of Riley County.
“By statute, RCPD’s only source of funding is property taxes, and we strive to be responsible stewards of the taxpayer money,” Peete said. “We also understand the pressure our local leaders face in managing the cost of taxation on the citizens of Manhattan and Riley County”