Reno County Commissioners Approve Sales Tax Survey, Construction Projects
June 13, 2025
Reno County commissioners approved funding for a professional survey Wednesday that could shape a proposed countywide sales tax increase, moving forward with a $26,740 contract to gauge voter sentiment on the measure.
The survey, conducted by Wichita State University's Public Policy and Management Center, will assess community support for either a half-cent or full-cent sales tax increase. It will also measure voter preferences for potential revenue uses, including infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements and economic development initiatives.
The proposal originated from a February joint session between county commissioners and the Hutchinson City Council, where both bodies expressed interest in pursuing a sales tax measure benefiting communities throughout the county. Officials aim to finalize a proposal for the 2026 ballot, with revenue projections suggesting a half-cent tax could generate approximately $3 million annually while a full-cent increase could yield up to $6 million.
County Administrator Randy Partington called the survey a "small investment" that will help craft ballot language with the best chance of voter approval. The county's current 1-cent sales tax has consistently supported municipal needs since the early 2000s.
Commissioners also approved two major construction projects Wednesday. Ward Davis Builders received a $763,500 contract to build a new emergency medical services station in Arlington, slightly above the original $750,000 estimate due to rising construction costs and unexpected geotechnical requirements. The project will be funded through federal dollars and county Capital Improvement Plan reserves.
Additionally, Richardson Brothers Construction was awarded a $357,798 bid to construct a new Emergency Management storage facility that will consolidate county equipment and vehicles currently stored at multiple locations. The total project cost of $379,648 includes permitting, surveying and zoning compliance fees.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET THE HUTCHINSON CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sponsors (click me!)
