Hutchinson local news summary

Council approves agreement to facilitate new Evergy plant

Officials laud joint meeting on regional growth

Planning and zoning fees increased for first time since 1991

Regulations on light pollution expected in 2026

Bonds authorized for zoo, park and Memorial Hall improvements

Woodie Seat and Adams Street construction timeline updated

City prepares winter weather fleet; explores public GPS tracking

Sales tax receipts surpass previous year’s totals

Public survey on sales tax to expand

Treasurer reports tax statements mailed, updates security measures

'Make My Move' program attracts new resident

Council approves agreement to facilitate new Evergy plant

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding between the city, the city of South Hutchinson and Reno County regarding the non-annexation of land designated for a new Evergy plant. City Attorney Paul Brown explained that the agreement ensures neither city will attempt to annex the property, clearing the way for the utility company’s investment. While Brown noted the facility will not generate tax revenue for at least 10 years, officials described the project as a "tremendous investment" expected to attract further business to the region.

Officials laud joint meeting on regional growth

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - During the report of city officials, council members expressed strong support for the recent joint meeting held between the Hutchinson City Council, the South Hutchinson City Council and the Reno County Commission. Council members highlighted the gathering as a crucial step toward regional unity, particularly regarding the economic development opportunities surrounding the incoming Evergy plant. Councilwoman Magers noted that while the utility plant is a catalyst, the entities must collaborate to ensure the region is prepared for the potential secondary business growth.

Planning and zoning fees increased for first time since 1991

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The council adopted a resolution updating the master fee schedule for the Planning and Zoning Department, marking the first significant increase to these costs since 1991. Director of Community Development Matt Williams told the council that current fees have not kept pace with inflation, effectively forcing general taxpayers to subsidize development costs. The new fee structure, which Williams noted is still lower than benchmarks in peer cities like Salina and Wichita, aims to shift the financial burden back to developers and will take effect Jan. 1.

Regulations on light pollution expected in 2026

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Director of Community Development Matt Williams provided a brief update on potential light pollution regulations, stating that staff is currently reviewing ordinances from peer communities. A draft of the new zoning regulations, which will address both residential and commercial lighting, is expected to be presented to the Planning Commission early next year. Williams noted that the new rules would likely grandfather in existing light sources, applying only to new installations moving forward.

Bonds authorized for zoo, park and Memorial Hall improvements

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - An ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds was approved to fund several capital improvement projects, including 2025 sidewalk repairs, the Zoo Nature Play area, Fairgrounds Park equipment and a new roof for Memorial Hall. During the discussion, clarification was sought regarding the bonding cap for the Fairgrounds Park project, which is listed at a maximum of $156,000. Staff confirmed that actual borrowing can be adjusted lower if the final project costs come in under budget.

Woodie Seat and Adams Street construction timeline updated

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Public Works Director Cecil Weibel presented a video update on the Woodie Seat Phase 2 project, announcing that Adams Street is projected to reopen to traffic by the end of January, pending weather conditions. The full project, which involves significant bridge work and roundabout construction, is scheduled for completion by June 2026. Staff noted that crews are currently utilizing a slip form paver for curb and gutter installation and have begun work on the stamped colored medians in the roundabout.

City prepares winter weather fleet; explores public GPS tracking

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Street Department officials outlined their readiness for the winter season, detailing a strategy that includes 680 lane miles of coverage and the use of salt brine pre-treatment. During the presentation, staff discussed the potential implementation of a public-facing GPS tracking system for snowplows. To prevent safety issues such as motorists cutting off plows or insurance fraud, any public tracking system would likely feature a 5-to-10-minute time delay rather than a live feed.

Sales tax receipts surpass previous year’s totals

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - County Administrator Randy Partington reported that sales tax collections are outpacing budgetary expectations, signaling a robust local economy. As of November, the county has collected $5.9 million in sales tax revenue year-to-date, already exceeding the total amount collected during the entire previous calendar year. Partington noted that with December collections still pending, the total for the year should comfortably surpass $6 million, providing necessary support for the 2027 budget planning process.

Public survey on sales tax to expand

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - The county is expanding its data collection regarding a potential sales tax, with a public survey set to launch via QR code next week. While initial polling focused on a specific set of registered voters to ensure a statistical baseline, the next phase will be open to the entire community. Administrator Randy Partington indicated that the data from the survey will be analyzed by Wichita State University and presented to the commission in January.

Treasurer reports tax statements mailed, updates security measures

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - Reno County Treasurer Michelle Calbert presented her annual report, confirming that 2025 property tax statements were mailed on Nov. 20, prompting a high volume of calls from residents regarding payments and valuations. Calbert also detailed new anti-fraud measures implemented by her office, including the use of high-security checks, a "positive pay" verification system with the bank and the purchase of automated currency counters to detect counterfeit bills.

'Make My Move' program attracts new resident

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioner Ron Hirst highlighted early success with the "Make My Move" initiative, a program designed to incentivize remote workers to relocate to Reno County. Hirst welcomed a new resident who recently moved to the area through the program. Hirst credited the collaboration between the county and the Chamber of Commerce for vetting prospective residents and promoting the community's assets.

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