Hutchinson local news summary

County Commission Adopts 2026 Budget, Approves Property Tax Increase

Funding for Museum, Chamber, and Other Partners Remains Cut in Final Budget

Railroad Under Fire for Unannounced Road Closures

Yoder Water Project Bid Comes in Under Budget

Commission to Review Use of ARPA Childcare Funds

Design Contract Approved for New EMS Station

County Commission Adopts 2026 Budget, Approves Property Tax Increase

RENO COUNTY - The Reno County Commission adopted the 2026 budget in a contentious 3-1 vote on Tuesday, finalizing a plan that includes an increase in the property tax rate. The approved budget, totaling approximately $90.7 million, will be funded in part by a mill levy of 37.767 mills, an increase of 2.263 mills over the previous year. The decision followed an extensive public hearing where numerous residents expressed deep concern over rising property valuations and the increasing tax burden on families and retirees. Commissioners cited rising inflation and the need to maintain essential county services as primary drivers for the increase, noting that the county had lowered the mill levy for the past five years. Commissioner Daniel Friesen cast the lone dissenting vote.

Funding for Museum, Chamber, and Other Partners Remains Cut in Final Budget

RENO COUNTY - Despite impassioned pleas from community leaders, the Reno County Commission’s adopted 2026 budget maintains reduced funding levels for several partner agencies. Representatives from the Reno County Museum and the Greater Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce addressed the commission, arguing that the proposed cuts would hamper their ability to serve the community and promote economic growth. After a lengthy debate, which included a motion to table the budget to reconsider the funding, the commission ultimately voted 3-1 to approve the budget as presented by staff, leaving the cuts in place. Several commissioners expressed a desire for a more in-depth review process for partner agency requests in future budget cycles.

Railroad Under Fire for Unannounced Road Closures

RENO COUNTY - Commissioner Don Bogner voiced strong criticism of a railroad company that recently closed eight miles of road intersections in the county for three days without notifying any county officials. Bogner stated the unannounced closures created significant inconvenience for residents and posed a serious public safety risk by potentially delaying emergency responders. He noted that after consulting with the county counselor, it was determined that federal law preempts any local authority to regulate or penalize the railroad for such actions. Bogner made the issue public in the hope that community awareness would encourage the railroad to coordinate with county officials in the future.

Yoder Water Project Bid Comes in Under Budget

RENO COUNTY - A significant infrastructure project for the community of Yoder is moving forward under budget. As part of the consent agenda, the commission approved an $880,000 contract for a phase of the ongoing project to bring a reliable water supply to the area. Officials noted that the winning bid from a local contractor was a considerable savings, coming in well below the engineer's estimate of over $1 million. The project is being funded primarily through previously secured grant money.

Commission to Review Use of ARPA Childcare Funds

RENO COUNTY - The Reno County Commission has committed to a future review of how federal ARPA funds allocated for childcare are being spent. The decision came after a local resident questioned the commission during public comment about the oversight and metrics for success of the "Kids Collective" initiative, which is managed by the United Way. Commissioners acknowledged that most of the current board was not in office when the funds were originally allocated but agreed to bring representatives from the United Way and Kids Collective to a future meeting to provide a detailed report and answer questions from the public and the commission.

Design Contract Approved for New EMS Station

RENO COUNTY - The plan for a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station took another step forward Tuesday, as commissioners approved the formal design contract with a local architectural firm. The action, part of the consent agenda, finalizes the agreement that was discussed at a previous meeting. This contract enables the design and planning phase of the new station to officially begin, a key step in improving emergency response infrastructure within the county.

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