The Riley County Commission voted Nov. 13 to authorize the chairman to sign a two‑year extension of a memorandum with the Office of Judicial Administration that supplements the income of the magistrate judge who serves Riley County.

Assistant County Counselor Michael Hawthorne explained the supplement — historically about $12,000 — is paid from the law library fund, not county general revenue, and exists to make the magistrate position more competitive and help with retention. Chief Judge Grant Bannister emphasized there is no county budget impact: "None of the funds are coming from taxpayers," he said.

Bannister said the supplement helps retain judges in counties with heavier caseloads and that some other counties fund similar supplements from their budgets. The commissioners moved, seconded and approved the authorization for the chair to sign the amendment.