Reno County Commission Summary
Week of July 23, 2026
County approves landfill compactor purchase, saving nearly $400,000
Landfill methane gas project secures vital easement
Horizons mobile crisis unit diverts residents from jail
Mental health first aid program expands to Hutchinson freshmen
Horizons reports mid-year deficit, seeks board nominee
Reno County general fund finishes first half in the black
Commissioners emphasize transparency ahead of budget hearings
Commissioners urge voting and local engagement on township issues
Reno County celebrates mid-summer community events
County approves landfill compactor purchase, saving nearly $400,000
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission unanimously approved the purchase of a lightly used 2024 Caterpillar 826 compactor for the county landfill, saving taxpayers an estimated $395,000. The enterprise-fund purchase replaces a 2009 model that has undergone two rebuilds and amassed more than 34,000 hours of use. Landfill staff noted that buying the machine now, rather than waiting for next year's budget cycle, bypasses a projected 3 percent price increase and avoids a six-to-nine-month manufacturing delay for a new vehicle.
Landfill methane gas project secures vital easement
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Meadowlark Renewables reported steady progress on the county's landfill methane gas project, recently securing one of two necessary pipeline easements from local landowners. The project, which will capture and process landfill gas to inject into a nearby Kansas Gas Service pipeline, also submitted its air permit application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on July 13. Representatives estimate the state permitting process will take three to four months to complete before construction can begin.
Horizons mobile crisis unit diverts residents from jail
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Horizons Mental Health Center mobile crisis team responded to 141 calls over the past three months, successfully resolving 72 percent of those incidents on-site in the community. Horizons Chief Executive Officer Vikki Mader reported that only one of those encounters resulted in a jail booking. The 24/7 program aims to stabilize individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and divert them from emergency rooms or the criminal justice system.
Mental health first aid program expands to Hutchinson freshmen
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Horizons Mental Health Center is partnering with Hutchinson Public Schools to provide Mental Health First Aid training to all Unified School District 308 freshmen this year. The year-long initiative is designed to equip teenagers with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health or substance abuse crises among their peers. The program expands on similar efforts previously implemented at Trinity Catholic High School, Buhler High School and Pretty Prairie High School.
Horizons reports mid-year deficit, seeks board nominee
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Horizons Mental Health Center reported positive $400,000 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in May, though the agency reportedly sits at an estimated $300,000 deficit year-to-date. Vikki Mader noted that improvements in service delivery and billing over the last six months are expected to help stabilize finances. Separately, the county commission is currently seeking nominations to fill a vacant Reno County representative seat on the Horizons board.
Reno County general fund finishes first half in the black
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Reno County is operating comfortably within its general fund budget through the first half of the year, according to a financial report running through June. The county has collected roughly $16 million in revenue, primarily from property and sales taxes, while spending $11 million. County Administrator Randy Partington noted that while the $5 million fund balance is currently strong, expenditures will naturally catch up to revenues as the year progresses.
Commissioners emphasize transparency ahead of budget hearings
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission is bracing for extensive 2026 budget discussions scheduled for a lengthy fifth-Wednesday meeting next week. Ahead of the session, commissioners emphasized the importance of transparency, pointing out that all county line-item budgets are accessible to the public online. The final public hearing to formally adopt the budget is scheduled for the first commission meeting in September.
Commissioners urge voting and local engagement on township issues
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — In response to recent public complaints regarding township-level issues, commissioners used their meeting comments to urge citizens to participate in local elections. Commissioners reminded residents that the county has limited jurisdiction over localized matters, suggesting that frustrated voters should run for local office themselves or attend relevant municipal meetings to enact change, rather than expecting county intervention.
Reno County celebrates mid-summer community events
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners praised a steady stream of summer community activities, highlighting the recent Pretty Prairie Rodeo and the ongoing success of the Hutchinson Monarchs baseball team. They also directed attention to the Reno County Fair, which runs through July 27 and features 4-H events, public speaking demonstrations and open-class baking competitions. Officials urged residents to stay safe, stay hydrated and support local youth as the summer heatwave continues.
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