Reno County Commission votes to exceed revenue neutral rate following public hearing

Reno County Commission approves 4 percent employee wage increases in 3-2 split vote

Reno County unanimously adopts $95 million budget for 2027

Economic development funding maintained after budget adjustments

Reno County Information Technology Department reports increasing help desk volume in annual review

Reno County Commission votes to exceed revenue neutral rate following public hearing

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - Following a public hearing dominated by taxpayer concerns over rising property valuations and inflation, the Reno County Commission voted 4-1 to exceed the state-mandated revenue neutral rate for the 2027 budget. The resolution passed with one dissenting vote. County Administrator Randy Partington explained that maintaining a strictly revenue-neutral budget — which would yield the exact same amount of property tax dollars as the previous year despite rising valuations — would have required the county to slash approximately $1.67 million from its proposed operating budget.

Reno County Commission approves 4 percent employee wage increases in 3-2 split vote

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - In a narrowly divided 3-2 vote, the Reno County Commission approved a 4 percent wage increase for county employees for 2027, up from a 3 percent increase previously discussed during a budget study session. County Administrator Randy Partington presented updated revenue projections indicating stronger-than-expected sales tax and interest income, which allowed the county to bump the raise to 4 percent without increasing the mill levy. Opponents favored the more conservative 3 percent figure due to economic uncertainties, while the majority voted in favor to ensure the county remains competitive with neighboring municipalities and the private sector.

Reno County unanimously adopts $95 million budget for 2027

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - Immediately following the wage decision, the Reno County Commission unanimously adopted the 2027 Reno County budget, totaling $95,074,189. The budget requires $30,853,935 in ad valorem property taxes, featuring a slight mill levy decrease from 37.8 mills to 37.75 mills. Despite the lower rate, taxpayers will likely still see higher tax bills due to increased property valuations. County Administrator Randy Partington clarified for the public that the $95 million total spending authority includes millions in non-tax levied funds and state-mandated reserves — such as a $12 million Reno County Landfill post-closure fund — that are not actively spent but must remain on the books.

Economic development funding maintained after budget adjustments

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - The 2027 budget will officially feature $100,000 for local economic development efforts, solidifying a previous Reno County Commission decision to restructure StartUp Hutch's funding. County Administrator Randy Partington noted that $50,000 of the total will be transferred from the county's economic development incentive line to cover operating costs. StartUp Hutch representatives attended Wednesday's meeting and confirmed they could successfully continue their operations within the county with the finalized budget amount.

Reno County Information Technology Department reports increasing help desk volume in annual review

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - Information Technology Director Tim McClatchey presented the Reno County Information Technology Department's annual report, highlighting a growing reliance on technology across Reno County departments and public safety agencies. McClatchey noted his nine-person team processed 4,710 support tickets last year and is projected to exceed 5,000 tickets this year. The department continues to focus heavily on cybersecurity training, software automation and maintaining critical 911 dispatch equipment, successfully avoiding any significant cyber compromises over the past year.

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