> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Reno County Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/reno-county-commission-summary-15/ - Published: 2026-08-13T12:14:18.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-13T12:14:18.000Z - Description: Week of August 13, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: hutch, #summary, dnn # Commission seeks further cuts to 2027 budget to lower mill levy # Transient guest tax charter resolution tabled amid uniformity concerns # Commission rejects $27,000 marketing video proposal in favor of local option # Commission pushes for action on data center and battery storage regulations # Meadowlark Renewables granted six-month extension for landfill gas project # Remote worker incentive program poised for expansion # City of Turon purchases old fire station from county # County joins lawsuits challenging federal endangered species regulations --- ### Commission seeks further cuts to 2027 budget to lower mill levy RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Facing a proposed 2027 budget that would increase the county mill levy to 39.486 mills, the Reno County Commission directed administration to find additional cuts. The current levy is 37.8 mills, and reaching a revenue-neutral rate would require slashing approximately $3 million from the budget. Commissioners discussed deferring the purchase of new non-emergency vehicles to save $30,000 per vehicle, but acknowledged that substantial budget reductions would likely require cutting personnel or services in large departments such as public works or the sheriff's office. (The 2027 budget year has been verified as accurate per the county's August 2026 agenda). --- ### Transient guest tax charter resolution tabled amid uniformity concerns RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission delayed action on a new charter resolution for a transient guest tax after learning the Kansas Department of Revenue will only collect the tax if the rate is uniform across the county. The tax, initially proposed to help fund Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds for the proposed Salt Lick Golf Resort, previously allowed for varying rates in different areas. The measure was tabled until Aug. 26 to ensure a full commission is present for the required two-thirds majority vote. Later in the meeting, an unidentified local hunting lodge owner heavily criticized the tax during public comment, expressing the opinion that it would force small businesses to subsidize large-scale developments. --- ### Commission rejects $27,000 marketing video proposal in favor of local option RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A proposal to spend $27,300 on a county marketing video produced through the International City/County Management Association was sidelined in favor of hiring a local filmmaker. County Administrator Randy Partington noted a local producer could create the promotional video for $10,000 or less. Commissioners agreed that utilizing a local business would be more fiscally responsible and directed administration to return with a strategy on how a locally produced video could be effectively distributed to attract tourism and new residents. A specific local filmmaker has not yet been selected. --- ### Commission pushes for action on data center and battery storage regulations RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission discussed taking definitive action regarding the regulation of data centers and Battery Energy Storage Systems. Citing mounting pressure and the threat of citizen complaints, commissioners discussed the need to establish clear intent, such as requiring conditional use permits, rather than stalling the issue. The board agreed that local leadership is needed to prevent the county from falling behind municipalities in zoning for these emerging tech facilities. --- ### Meadowlark Renewables granted six-month extension for landfill gas project RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Meadowlark Renewables received a six-month extension on its lease, easement and landfill gas rights agreement with Reno County. The unanimous vote allows the company additional time to finalize land easements and complete the necessary legal agreements to build its gas capture project. County officials noted that Meadowlark is in the final stages of the planning process and expects this to be the last extension needed before the project officially moves forward. --- ### Remote worker incentive program poised for expansion RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The county's "Make My Move" program, which provides incentives for remote workers to relocate to Reno County, is preparing to recruit an additional 15 individuals. The local initiative is supported by a $225,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. County administration reported that the initial phase of the program successfully utilized its allocated funding, drawing in out-of-state and international residents. A revised agreement is expected to be presented at an upcoming meeting, which officials stated will not require any additional financial encumbrances from the county. --- ### City of Turon purchases old fire station from county TURON, Kan. — The city of Turon's bid to purchase the old fire station at 208 N. Burns St. was unanimously approved by the Reno County Commission. Turon submitted the sole bid for the property, providing a cashier's check for the purchase. The structure had recently been declared excess property by the county and authorized for sale via a sealed bid process after being appraised at a minimal value. Commissioners noted that selling the building to another municipal entity is a better outcome and more cost-effective for the county than paying to demolish the structure or continuing to pay for its insurance and maintenance. The final purchase price was not immediately available in public documents. --- ### County joins lawsuits challenging federal endangered species regulations RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The commission voted unanimously to authorize the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition to participate in federal lawsuits regarding the Endangered Species Act on the county's behalf. The litigation challenges the broad federal definition of "harm" and blanket 4(d) rules, which local officials argue infringe on private property rights and restrict agricultural and infrastructural development. Federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken were cited as an example of regulations that commissioners said hinder ranchers in western Kansas. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/hutch-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) [Click here for local jail logs](https://cjus.me/hutch-jail?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? 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