Mayor announces new tenant for Salt City Business Park

Superior Boiler projects job growth under existing agreement

Council debates raising wage floors for economic incentives

'Build Hutch' program launches to spur small-scale development

Donor closes funding gap for golf course master plan

City approves joint beverage contract with college and school district

Utility department reports $750,000 in value saved through leak detection

Public urged to exercise caution during spring excavation

Commissioners criticize state tax cap proposal

Board opposes state control over energy siting

County distances itself from Hutchinson sales tax vote

Emergency management reports friction over fire merger budget

Emergency management outlines disaster reimbursement delays

Commissioners confirm inability to override burn bans

Mayor announces new tenant for Salt City Business Park

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mayor Scott Meggers announced that National Modular Manufacturing has signed a long-term lease to expand its operations into the spec building at the Salt City Business Park. Meggers highlighted the move as a success for the Chamber of Commerce and a boost for the local economy, noting the expansion is expected to bring new business activity to the industrial park and further validate the city's investment in speculative industrial space.

Superior Boiler projects job growth under existing agreement

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — City Attorney Paul Brown presented an update on the development agreement with Superior Holding Inc., noting the company anticipates adding employees following a change in ownership. The update confirmed the company is adhering to the city's requirement of a $21-an-hour minimum wage and health insurance provision to qualify for the $1,500-per-job incentive, with the contract running through 2030 and placing no cap on the number of incentivized jobs the company can create.

Council debates raising wage floors for economic incentives

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Council members Stacy Goss and Darrin Truan argued that the city's current requirement for businesses to pay $21 an hour to receive incentives is too low. Goss suggested revisiting "Policy 30" to potentially raise the wage floor to $22 an hour with a cost-of-living adjustment to better align with Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) economic data, leading the council to reach a consensus to schedule a workshop to modernize incentive policies.

'Build Hutch' program launches to spur small-scale development

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Director of Strategic Growth Dave Sotelo announced the launch of "Build Hutch," a new initiative designed to help residents and small-scale investors navigate the process of developing housing and commercial properties. Funded by a grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation, the year-long program aims to guide locals through financing, zoning and permitting, with a kickoff event scheduled for Feb. 23 at Memorial Hall to connect aspiring developers with contractors and lenders.

Donor closes funding gap for golf course master plan

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A private donor has stepped forward to cover a funding shortfall for upcoming renovations at Carey Park Golf Course, according to Director of Parks and Facilities Justin Combs. Following a discussion at the previous council meeting regarding a budget gap, a resident contacted the city to make a donation that, combined with transferred funds from the Orchard Park project, will allow the renovation to proceed as originally designed.

City approves joint beverage contract with college and school district

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City Council unanimously approved a consolidated beverage sales and sponsorship agreement with PepsiCo, partnering with Hutchinson Community College and USD 308 to streamline operations at shared facilities like Gowans Stadium. Director of Parks and Facilities Justin Combs noted the new agreement increases the city's annual benefit to more than $11,000, up from $3,500 under the previous contract, while securing a commitment that unit prices will not increase by more than 5 percent annually and providing 104 pieces of equipment and service at no charge to the city.

Utility department reports $750,000 in value saved through leak detection

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Director of Utilities David Guinn announced that the department saved 117 million gallons of water over the past year through leak detection and repair. The effort, which included fixing 51 main breaks and replacing 58 hydrants, resulted in approximately $166,000 in saved treatment costs and preserved roughly $591,000 in potential revenue, with the director crediting the distribution crew for achieving a 4 percent reduction in water loss.

Public urged to exercise caution during spring excavation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With warmer weather approaching, a city utility locator addressed the council with a safety warning regarding backyard digging projects. The staff member reported multiple hit gas lines in recent days, noting that utility lines are often shallower than residents expect, and urged residents planning gardens, fences or other excavation projects to call 811 to have utilities located before breaking ground.

Commissioners criticize state tax cap proposal

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — During the Feb. 11 meeting, the Reno County Commission voiced strong opposition to Kansas House Bill 2745, which proposes a cap on property taxes. The board argued the bill's requirement for a public vote on tax increases is logistically impossible due to filing deadlines that conflict with the county's budget cycle. Commissioners expressed frustration that state legislators did not consult local governments regarding the timing constraints, noting that the bill sets local entities up for failure.

Board opposes state control over energy siting

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Concerns were raised regarding House Bill 2728, legislation that would transfer authority for siting energy systems—including battery storage and alternative energy projects—from local governments to the Kansas Corporation Commission. The move was criticized as an erosion of home rule, with arguments that it strips citizens of their right to provide input on developments in their own backyards. The commission consensus was that such decisions should remain at the local level rather than being centralized in Topeka.

County distances itself from Hutchinson sales tax vote

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board sought to clear up public confusion regarding an upcoming March 3 sales tax vote, emphasizing that it is solely a city of Hutchinson initiative. It was noted that while there were previous discussions about a joint city-county tax, the city ultimately decided to pursue a 0.3 percent sales tax independently. The commissioners reiterated that Reno County is not involved in the current ballot measure and that the tax would apply to anyone shopping within the city limits.

Emergency management reports friction over fire merger budget

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar reported on the recent consolidation of eight rural fire districts into Reno County Fire District 1. Weishaar acknowledged receiving complaints from volunteer firefighters regarding spending, noting that some volunteers believe the merger created a large pool of discretionary funds. Weishaar stated the department is prioritizing "needs over wants," focusing on safety equipment and essential services while declining requests for nonessential items, a strategy that has caused friction with some staff.

Emergency management outlines disaster reimbursement delays

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In his annual report, Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar detailed the financial challenges of disaster recovery, noting that federal and state reimbursements often take up to two years to reach the county. He explained that for the county to qualify for federal funds, the state must meet a $5.5 million damage threshold. Weishaar highlighted the importance of "watch" and "activation" levels at the Emergency Operations Center to manage resources effectively during severe weather and wildfires.

Commissioners confirm inability to override burn bans

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Addressing public inquiries regarding controlled burns, the commission clarified that it does not have the authority to grant exceptions to burn bans on a case-by-case basis. Emergency management staff explained that burn permissions are determined strictly by National Weather Service wind data and enforced by 911 dispatchers. Commissioners emphasized that if 911 denies a burn request due to weather conditions, elected officials cannot override that safety protocol.

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