Reno County Commission approves annexation moratorium, hears annual reports

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Reno County, the City of Hutchinson and the City of South Hutchinson at its Nov. 26 meeting.

The agreement ensures no city will pursue annexation of the Evergy project site until construction is complete, allowing the large-scale development to move forward without jurisdictional conflict.

County Clerk Jenna Fager, completing her first year in the role, delivered her annual report. She reported preparing and mailing the annual tax roll on Nov. 20, 2025. Her office trained 175 election workers and administered the 2025 city/school election, which saw just over 18% turnout and 7,983 votes counted.

Treasurer Richele Calvert presented her annual report, highlighting increased investment earnings by competitively bidding large CDs to local banks and implementation of stronger fraud-prevention measures. Her office completed five of six major tax distributions, totaling $128.7 million sent to local taxing entities so far.

County Administrator Randy Partington reported recent sales-tax receipts continue to outpace last year, with Reno County already exceeding its 2024 total. If December receipts arrive before year-end, the county expects to surpass $6 million in sales-tax revenue.

The commission meetings in December will be held Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, a change from the usual second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of the month.