Hutchinson – Week of July 17 2025

Hutchinson City Council Sets Path for Potential Sales Tax Vote

Reno County Approves Potential Property Tax Rate Increase

Historic Bernard's Restaurant Slated for Demolition

Hutchinson Faces Significant Expansion of Floodplain, Prompting Proactive Measures

Pickleball Advocates Push for Dedicated Courts, Offer Private Funding

1. Hutchinson City Council Sets Path for Potential Sales Tax Vote

The Hutchinson City Council is considering a three-quarter-cent sales tax to fund streets, parks, and stormwater improvements, a move that would also eliminate the unpopular stormwater utility fee. During their July 15, 2025, meeting, council members engaged in a lengthy discussion about the possibility of placing the sales tax question on the November 2025 ballot. Proponents argued it would save the city the expense of a special election, estimated to cost between $20,000 and $40,000. However, concerns were raised about the tight timeline of roughly 100 days to educate the public on a complex issue that intertwines a new tax with the removal of an existing fee. The council ultimately decided to table the decision, tasking city staff with providing a more detailed cost-benefit analysis at their August 5th meeting to determine the feasibility of the November timeline versus a later special election.

2. Reno County Approves Potential Property Tax Rate Increase

Reno County residents may see a property tax increase as the Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution to consider a maximum mill levy rate of 38.304, a 2.8-mill increase over the current rate. The 4-1 vote on July 16, 2025, with Commissioner Vincent dissenting, sets the ceiling for the 2026 budget but does not finalize the tax rate. County staff explained the increase is necessary to keep pace with inflation and maintain services, noting that even with the proposed maximum, the county's budget has barely outpaced inflation over the last decade. Commissioner Vincent expressed strong opposition, citing constituent concerns about rising property taxes and calling for the administration to identify more significant cuts. The final budget and tax rate will be determined after a public hearing on September 10, 2025.

3. Historic Bernard's Restaurant Slated for Demolition

After years of efforts to save the historic Bernard’s Restaurant & Catering building at 2100 South Bonebrake Street, the property owner has applied for a demolition permit, signaling the end of an era for the local landmark. During the July 15, 2025, Hutchinson City Council meeting, owner Susie Bernard Gress explained that despite extensive efforts, she was unable to secure the necessary funding for renovation due to economic shifts and program cutbacks. The decision to demolish was described as "heartbreaking" but unavoidable. The process now moves to the city's Landmarks Commission, which is expected to deny the demolition of the historic property. The final decision will then rest with the City Council, which has the authority to override the commission and approve the demolition.

4. Hutchinson Faces Significant Expansion of Floodplain, Prompting Proactive Measures

Hutchinson is bracing for a significant expansion of its designated floodplain areas, a change city officials warned could be like a "tomato thrown at the old map". At the July 15, 2025, City Council meeting, City Engineer Evan Patterson presented a detailed report on the pending update to FEMA's flood maps, the first major revision of surface water flooding since the 1980s. The new maps, expected to be finalized around 2027, could place many more properties in the floodplain, potentially forcing homeowners with mortgages to purchase flood insurance. In response, the city is launching a multi-pronged strategy that includes validating the new models, identifying city-owned land for small-scale stormwater storage projects to be completed before the maps are finalized, and re-evaluating larger, long-term projects like the Cow Creek widening.

5. Pickleball Advocates Push for Dedicated Courts, Offer Private Funding

A growing number of pickleball enthusiasts are urging the City of Hutchinson to create dedicated courts for the popular sport, even offering to pay for the conversion themselves. During the public comment section of the July 15, 2025, City Council meeting, resident Don Beydler reported that the group has over 200 members and has secured funding to convert two tennis courts at the Fairgrounds into four dedicated pickleball courts. Beydler noted that while there are places to play during the day, there are no available courts in the evenings for those who work. The proposal would leave six dedicated tennis courts at the Fairgrounds, in addition to others at the high school.

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