County extends copier contract, saving $20,000

Monthly financial reports show tight department budgets

Commission to split McNew and Mills Road project

Eminent domain petition finalized for McNew and Mills Road project

County officials review data centers at Kansas Association of Counties annual conference

Commission warns of cybersecurity risks after social media hack

Mystery construction on K-96 identified as city project

County extends copier contract, saving $20,000

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission unanimously approved extending its current contract with 360 Document Solutions for an additional year at a cost of $34,392. The one-year extension saves the county nearly $20,000 compared to the lowest bid of $51,446 from Access Systems for a new five-year contract. County Administrator Randy Partington noted the service has been reliable, and the county will rebid the contract next year when the extension expires.

Monthly financial reports show tight department budgets

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — County Administrator Randy Partington presented the county's August financial reports, noting that while revenue collection is on track, departments are spending at a pace that leaves little financial cushion. The administrator emphasized that most of the county's major revenue sources, such as motor vehicle and sales taxes, have already been collected for the year. When asked about achieving a revenue-neutral rate, Partington stated it would be impossible without cutting significant services and capital projects.

Commission to split McNew and Mills Road project

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The commission reached a consensus to divide the McNew and Mills Road project into two phases to expedite construction for Evergy's heavy equipment. The first phase, covering one mile of McNew Road from U.S. 50 north to Morgan Avenue, is largely funded by a Kansas Department of Transportation grant and Evergy. Splitting the project will cause a slight engineering cost increase for project engineer JEO Consulting Group, but County Administrator Randy Partington assured the commission that previously identified savings will prevent any additional cost to taxpayers. A formal agreement for the first phase is expected at the next meeting.

Eminent domain petition finalized for McNew and Mills Road project

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Reno County Counselor Patrick Hoffman has finalized a draft petition for eminent domain concerning land needed for the McNew and Mills Road project. The commission previously approved a resolution to begin the eminent domain process after facing challenges in securing proper right-of-way easements through private negotiations with two landowners in the project area south of Hutchinson. The petition now requires the chairman's signature before being formally filed with the courts to ensure the road project, which supports development near the planned Evergy power plant, stays on schedule.

County officials review data centers at Kansas Association of Counties annual conference

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — County officials reported on their attendance at the recent Kansas Association of Counties annual conference, highlighting regional discussions on emerging data center regulations. Regional leaders discussed enacting temporary moratoriums on data centers to establish proper zoning and utility regulations before approving high-consumption developments.

Commission warns of cybersecurity risks after social media hack

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The commission issued a public warning regarding social media hackers and phishing scams after a county official's personal Facebook account was compromised. The hack required the account to be permanently shut down. The commission urged the public to remain vigilant against online scams and unauthorized two-factor authentication requests, noting that some area residents and organizations have also reported recent fraudulent messages soliciting funds.

Mystery construction on K-96 identified as city project

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — In response to constituent inquiries, the commission briefly addressed a large stone structure currently being built on economic development property near the K-96 curve. County officials clarified that the construction is entirely a city of Hutchinson project, not a Reno County initiative. The commission directed further public questions regarding the structure's purpose and cost to city officials, and a follow-up story is planned once the city confirms the project's exact details.

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