Sedgwick County officials working to keep the Judge Riddel Boys Ranch open are suggesting the state should create a new classification of residential centers for juveniles.

The suggestion would create a new tier of residential juvenile homes, with the state paying more for the service.

The Riddel center in Goodard is classified as a youth residential centers II. The county considered closing the ranch this year because what the state currently pays requires the county to pay $75 per day per boy.

The Legislature approved an additional $750,000 lump sum for this fiscal year for the ranch. The Wichita Eagle reports county officials say that doesn’t address the long-term financial problems. The county still wants the state to increase the daily rate it pays the ranch.