County sets maximum mill levy, prepares for budget cuts

County unveils online property tax calculator for residents

Commission approves intent for landfill gas project bonds

Local officials collaborate on data center research

Reno County 4-H fair schedule announced

1. County sets maximum mill levy, prepares for budget cuts

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission voted to approve a notice of intent to set the county's maximum mill levy at 40.22 mills for the 2027 budget, which would generate approximately $32.8 million in property taxes. County Administrator Randy Partington noted this is only a preliminary cap required by state law and that commissioners will spend the coming weeks discussing cuts. To achieve a flat mill levy, the county would need to cut $1.9 million from the proposed budget, while reaching the revenue neutral rate would require $3.7 million in cuts. The commission also set a public budget hearing for Sept. 9.

2. County unveils online property tax calculator for residents

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — County Administrator Randy Partington showcased a new interactive property tax mapping tool currently in development for the county website. The online calculator will allow residents to type in their home address to see a precise, dollar-for-dollar breakdown of their property taxes based on their appraised value. The tool aims to provide transparency by showing exactly how much of a resident's tax bill goes to the county, the city of Hutchinson, local school districts, Hutchinson Community College and other special taxing entities.

3. Commission approves intent for landfill gas project bonds

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Meadowlark Renewables, LLC project, a green energy initiative at the Reno County landfill. The project will capture biogas emitted from the landfill, clean it and convert it into pure, renewable natural gas for the commercial pipeline. County bond counsel Kevin Cowan of Gilmore & Bell explained that passing the resolution allows the company to secure federal tax-exempt interest and sales tax exemptions on construction materials while finalized agreements are still being negotiated. The project is expected to create a new revenue stream for the county.

4. Local officials collaborate on data center research

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners reported on a recent regional meeting where local leaders discussed the growing trend of data centers moving into local municipalities. Commissioner Ron Vincent noted that Reno County and the city of Hutchinson are currently researching how to handle such facilities, prioritizing preparedness even though no specific data center projects are currently slated for the area, calling it a "good learning opportunity" for the county. Officials emphasized the importance of learning from other municipalities that are already dealing with the complex infrastructure and energy demands of large data centers.

5. Reno County 4-H fair schedule announced

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Reno County 4-H Ambassador Jacey Combs, a 10-year member of the Buhler 4-H Club and second-year ambassador, delivered a special presentation to the commission regarding the upcoming Reno County 4-H Fair. The fair will kick off with a dog show on Saturday, July 18, with the remainder of the agricultural and project exhibits scheduled for July 22-27. Commissioners encouraged residents to attend the fair at the Kansas State Fairgrounds to support local youth, noting the strong leadership skills developed through 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs.

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