Council approves bonds for Sales Data Inc. expansion and 50 new jobs

City manager defends budget transparency ahead of sales tax vote

City manager highlights $1 million in operational savings

New 'Structure to Soil' demolition grant program unveiled

Staff reports progress on commercial blight removal

Golf course master plan funding approved with cost-saving measure

Commission approves $100,000 for opioid treatment access

Construction manager approved for health department renovation

Commission clarifies lack of zoning authority over waste injection site

County pushes free property fraud alert system

High employee turnover prompts new HR strategies

Health plan strategies yield $2 million in savings

Council approves bonds for Sales Data Inc. expansion and 50 new jobs

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council unanimously approved a resolution determining the advisability of issuing up to $2 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds for Sales Data Inc., paving the way for a major facility expansion. The technology company, a supplier of point-of-sale systems for McDonald's, intends to add more than 100,000 square feet to its current facility and create at least 50 new jobs with an average wage of nearly $42,000. City officials clarified that the municipality bears no liability for the debt, noting that the bonds serve primarily to provide the company with a sales tax exemption on construction materials and a 10-year property tax abatement.

City manager defends budget transparency ahead of sales tax vote

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the March 3 sales tax election approaching, City Manager Enrico Villegas used the city officials' report to address public criticism and defend the administration's presentation of potential service cuts. Villegas rejected accusations that the city was utilizing "scare tactics" by detailing possible reductions to the fire department and other services, arguing instead that the forecast provided a transparent view of the budget reality should the measure fail. He emphasized that the March election timeline is dictated by state law requirements to certify the budget by August.

City manager highlights $1 million in operational savings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In a presentation aimed at demonstrating fiscal responsibility, City Manager Enrico Villegas detailed a series of operational adjustments that have generated approximately $1 million in savings for the city. Villegas reported that internalizing IT operations saved $20,000 annually, while scaling back the River Banks Orchard Park project preserved $650,000. Additionally, he noted that proactive maintenance strategies have reduced water main breaks from 90 to 40 per year, saving an estimated $757,000 in sellable water capacity, alongside further savings from consolidating staff positions following retirements.

New 'Structure to Soil' demolition grant program unveiled

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Building Official Jason Leidy introduced "Structure to Soil," a new grant initiative launching in March designed to accelerate the removal of dilapidated structures without the delays of traditional condemnation. The program offers two tracks: a 100 percent grant for owners who demolish a building and transfer the lot to the city land bank, and a 50 percent cost-share for owners who retain the property for revitalization. Leidy indicated the program will be funded through existing nonbonded allocations in the 2026 budget.

Staff reports progress on commercial blight removal

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Building Official Jason Leidy provided the City Council with an update on commercial blight efforts, reporting that the former Bernard's Restaurant & Catering site at 2100 S. Bonebrake has been completely demolished. Leidy also reported that the owners of the properties at 401 and 405 S. Main, are advancing revitalization efforts through facade and electrical improvements. However, Leidy noted that other sites remain stagnant, including the hotel property at 3001 E. Fourth, prompting staff to continue evaluating costs and legal options for properties where owners remain inactive.

Golf course master plan funding approved with cost-saving measure

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City Council approved an ordinance authorizing general obligation bonds to finalize improvements at the Carey Park Golf Course, including irrigation upgrades and renovations to holes 15 and 16. While the project is approximately 70 percent complete, council members expressed concern regarding the additional expenditure given current budget constraints. To address these fiscal concerns, the council directed staff to draft legislation transferring roughly $428,000 in unused funds from the River Banks Orchard Park project to the golf course work, capping the new bonding requirement at $400,000.

Commission approves $100,000 for opioid treatment access

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Reno County Commission unanimously approved a $100,000 grant to Mirror Inc., a Newton-based addiction treatment provider, to facilitate rapid access to treatment for county residents. The funding, drawn from the county's share of national opioid settlement funds, aims to shorten the wait time for individuals seeking help to within 72 hours. Although initial concerns were raised about funding an out-of-county entity, the proposal was revised to ensure the funds specifically support Reno County residents and accept referrals from multiple local agencies, expanding beyond just New Beginnings Inc.

Construction manager approved for health department renovation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The commission authorized the hiring of Wichita-based Icon Structures as the construction manager for upcoming renovations at the Reno County Health Department. The decision followed a discussion regarding the county's budget, where questions were raised about the prudence of moving forward with capital projects following a recent $3 million budget shortfall. County Administrator Randy Partington clarified that the project would be funded through specific capital outlay reserves designated for public health rather than the general fund, leading to a unanimous vote to proceed.

Commission clarifies lack of zoning authority over waste injection site

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Following public concerns regarding Vaulted Deep, a business injecting liquefied organic waste into salt caverns south of Hutchinson, the commission clarified that it has no legal jurisdiction to intervene. The facility operates in an unzoned portion of Reno County, limiting the board's ability to regulate land use or impose restrictions. Board members noted that while previous attempts to discuss zoning in rural areas were made to prevent such conflicts, those proposals faced public resistance, leaving the county without regulatory power in this instance.

County pushes free property fraud alert system

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The register of deeds office is urging residents to sign up for a free Property Fraud Alert system designed to protect homeowners from title theft. The service notifies property owners via email whenever a document, such as a mortgage or deed, is recorded in their name at the county courthouse. Register of Deeds Michelle Uptergrove emphasized that while the system cannot prevent a fraudulent filing, it provides immediate notification, allowing owners to take legal action quickly before statutes of limitations or complications arise.

High employee turnover prompts new HR strategies

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Reno County experienced a record-high employee turnover rate of 29.99 percent in 2025, according to a report presented by Human Resources Director Helen Foster. This figure represents a significant increase from the 22.78 percent turnover rate recorded in 2024 and is the highest rate on record since 2011. Foster attributed much of the turnover to burnout and stress within short-staffed departments. To address the issue, the county plans to implement "stay interviews" to better understand employee needs and is overhauling its performance evaluation system to focus on coaching rather than grading.

Health plan strategies yield $2 million in savings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The county's health insurance plan saved approximately $2 million in gross costs over the last plan year through strategic vendor partnerships, according to a report by USI Insurance Services. Rick Beins, a representative from USI, detailed several cost-saving measures, including an international sourcing program that procures high-cost medications from Canada and an advocacy program that negotiates lower rates for medical services. These strategies have allowed the county to maintain benefit levels for employees while mitigating premium increases.

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