Reno County Commission Summary
Week of October 1, 2026
Commission approves funds for new Public Works water truck
County secures lower rate for workers' compensation insurance
Action delayed on engineering agreements for road projects
Commissioner urges public vigilance following agricultural copper thefts
County leadership to attend local NAACP dinner
Commissioners note frustrations with jury duty system, courtroom acoustics
Economic development breakfast to focus on business valuation
Commission approves funds for new Public Works water truck
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission unanimously approved up to $70,000 for the purchase of a replacement 2,000-gallon water truck for the Public Works Department. The previous truck was totaled in an accident, yielding an insurance payout of approximately $51,000. Commissioners debated the logistics and liability of sending county employees to retrieve a $62,100 used Freightliner from Texas versus purchasing an alternative local option for roughly $70,000. Ultimately, the board authorized Public Works to make the final purchasing decision within the approved budget to best suit the county's needs.
County secures lower rate for workers' compensation insurance
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Human Resources Director Helen Foster reported a decrease in the county's annual workers' compensation insurance costs for the upcoming year. The commission unanimously approved a $434,641 quote from KWORCC for 2027 coverage. KWORCC, the county's current provider, outbid Travelers Insurance to retain the contract, resulting in direct operational savings for Reno County taxpayers compared to the previous year.
Action delayed on engineering agreements for road projects
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously agreed to remove two consulting agreements from Wednesday's consent agenda, pushing further discussion on the items to the Oct. 14 meeting. The delayed items include an amendment agreement with JEO Consulting Group Inc. for the first mile of the McNew Road project and a separate agreement with the firm for final plans concerning the McNew Road and Mills Avenue project.
Commissioner urges public vigilance following agricultural copper thefts
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — During the meeting's closing remarks, a commissioner appealed to the public to help law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity, citing a recent incident where thieves caused $4,000 in damage to an agricultural irrigation circle to steal less than $100 worth of copper cable. With Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell present, the commissioner praised the department's prompt 30-minute response time to the incident while noting that rural burglaries and scrap metal thefts remain a persistent, costly issue for local residents and businesses.
County leadership to attend local NAACP dinner
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — County Administrator Randy Partington announced that Reno County will maintain an official presence at the Hutchinson branch of the NAACP's annual dinner scheduled for Saturday. Several commissioners and the administrator will share a county-sponsored table at the event, underscoring the local government's commitment to community engagement and support for local civil rights organizations.
Commissioners note frustrations with jury duty system, courtroom acoustics
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Routine commissioner reports sparked a brief discussion regarding the logistical frustrations of the local jury duty system. A commissioner recounted a recent experience of calling in the night before, only to show up and find nearly half of the summoned pool absent. The commissioner also noted that poor acoustics in the Reno County Courthouse make it exceedingly difficult for prospective jurors and the public to hear official court proceedings.
Economic development breakfast to focus on business valuation
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A commissioner announced an upcoming breakfast meeting hosted by a local economic development group geared toward local business owners considering selling or expanding. The free event, scheduled for Friday, will feature a certified exit planning strategist and a transaction attorney. The seminar, typically valued at $380, aims to educate Hutchinson-area entrepreneurs on specific strategies to increase their business's overall market worth.
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