Reno County Commission Summary
Week of June 25, 2026
Commission approves 10-year tax abatement for golf resort
STAR bond plans passed for 630-acre destination golf course
Special 2 percent sales tax approved for golf course district
Sheriff details jail staffing struggles and operations
In-house labor saves county $1.4 million on training facility
McPherson official warns Reno of regional groundwater depletion
Former Turon fire station headed for sealed bid auction
Commission approves 10-year tax abatement for golf resort
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission approved a resolution granting a 10-year, 100 percent property tax abatement on new value for the planned Salt Lick destination golf course. The abatement, tied to the issuance of taxable industrial revenue bonds, sparked debate among commissioners concerned about lost revenue while the county faces budget shortfalls. Bond counsel Kevin Cowan clarified that the county will still collect taxes based on the land's current value, but all incremental improvements will be exempt. Proponents noted a state-mandated cost-benefit analysis showed the project's economic impact would result in exponential budget gains for the county in the long term.
STAR bond plans passed for 630-acre destination golf course
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission unanimously approved three STAR bond project plans to facilitate the construction of the multi-phase Salt Lick golf course east of Hutchinson. A developer representative outlined the project, which will utilize the natural sand dune topography to create a links-style course reminiscent of those that attract international golf tourism. The project will be rolled out in three phases to ensure market stability, with the first 18-hole Salt Lick Dunes course, practice facilities and initial lodging expected to open by 2027. Future phases will introduce a second 18-hole course, a nine-hole course and an expanded clubhouse.
Special 2 percent sales tax approved for golf course district
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A Community Improvement District was established for all three phases of the Salt Lick golf course development, imposing an additional 2 percent sales tax within the district's boundaries. The tax will remain in place for 22 years for each completed phase and will not be pledged to the payment of bonds. Instead, the county will operate the district on a pay-as-you-go basis, using the generated funds to directly reimburse the developer for eligible construction costs as the resort is built.
Sheriff details jail staffing struggles and operations
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff's Office delivered its annual report, highlighting ongoing staffing challenges and operational updates at the Reno County Correctional Facility. Out of 120 recent applicants for jail deputy positions, the department was only able to hire 10, retaining eight due to stringent background and training standards. The sheriff's office also reported that a June 2025 inmate death was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with initial reports indicating no signs of foul play, though official determinations remain pending. Additionally, the jail has transitioned its Medication-Assisted Treatment program for inmates with substance use disorders to an injectable medication, reducing labor for deputies and minimizing the risk of drug diversion.
In-house labor saves county $1.4 million on training facility
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff's Office's new training facility, which officially opened Feb. 1, saved the county an estimated $1.4 million by utilizing internal staff instead of outside contractors, according to the department's internal estimates compared to contractor bids. The sheriff's office reported that the county's IT, facilities maintenance and sheriff's office personnel completed the installation of all technology and outfitting for the building. The facility is now fully operational, having already hosted 14 range days and annual qualifications for 82 deputies, while also being utilized by outside agencies including the Kansas Department of Corrections and neighboring police departments.
McPherson official warns Reno of regional groundwater depletion
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — John Kinsey, McPherson County's director of planning and zoning, presented a formal report indicating significant groundwater depletion in Groundwater Management District 2, which spans Harvey, McPherson, Reno and Sedgwick counties. Kinsey, appearing at the behest of the McPherson County Commission, noted that nearly 83 percent of monitored wells in Reno County have seen deeper water levels over a 50-year period. The data prompted the Reno County Commission to discuss the regional impact of large industrial and agricultural water users, suggesting that future economic development projects will require a more cooperative, regional approach to water conservation.
Former Turon fire station headed for sealed bid auction
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission voted unanimously to declare the former Fire District 1 station at 208 N. Burns in Turon as excess property and authorized its sale through a public sealed bid process. County staff noted the building, appraised at just over $38,000 alongside its lot, requires significant maintenance and suffers from a leaking roof and cracked concrete. The commission opted for a sealed bid auction over direct negotiation or demolition, concluding that an auction provides a fair opportunity for the public while saving the county the ongoing costs of utility and insurance expenses.
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