Commission approves first step for Salt Lick Golf & Hunting resort tax incentives

County awards job performance incentives to manufacturer

Commissioners pursue zoning regulations over data center moratorium

Commission details county property tax breakdown

County sets schedule for upcoming budget study sessions

Town hall scheduled to demystify property appraisals

County highlights opening of new EMS facilities

Horizons Mental Health expands services to schools and veterans

1. Commission approves first step for Salt Lick Golf & Hunting resort tax incentives

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission unanimously approved a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Salt Lick Golf & Hunting resort project. The approval serves as a legal mechanism allowing developers to receive a state sales tax exemption on construction materials for the project's first phase, which is expected to open in 2027. While the impact on future property tax collections was discussed during the meeting, economic development officials clarified that potential property tax abatements will be negotiated separately following a formal cost-benefit analysis. A separate public hearing regarding Sales Tax and Revenue bonds for the project is scheduled for May 13.

2. County awards job performance incentives to manufacturer

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved a letter of intent to provide job performance incentives to Takako America Co., Inc., a Hutchinson-based hydraulic components manufacturer, which plans to add 10 to 20 new jobs at its Hutchinson facility. The company will receive between $1,000 and $1,500 per new job created, provided the positions pay between $18 and $21 per hour. Company representatives said the firm is expanding due to increased demand in European and Asian markets and provides benefits for employees, including 401(k) matching and annual raises.

3. Commissioners pursue zoning regulations over data center moratorium

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Addressing public concerns over potential data centers and battery energy storage systems moving into the county, the commission emphasized the development of formal zoning regulations rather than enacting a temporary moratorium. Following public comments regarding environmental risks and utility rate concerns, officials said a local task force is actively working with the planning and zoning department. The county plans to draft specific regulations regarding water conservation, noise ordinances and structural setbacks to ensure responsible industrial development without signaling that the county is closed for business.

4. Commission details county property tax breakdown

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — In an effort to educate the public on local ad valorem taxes, a presentation during the meeting clarified that Reno County functions primarily as a pass-through entity for local property taxes. According to the breakdown, the county retains only about 22 percent to 24 percent of collected real estate taxes for its total operations. The vast majority of the tax levy is distributed to local school districts, Hutchinson Community College and local city municipalities.

5. County sets schedule for upcoming budget study sessions

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington outlined the upcoming schedule for county budget study sessions, initiating the financial planning process for the upcoming fiscal year. The commission agreed to hold a preliminary study session on May 7 to review countywide salary structures before addressing individual budgets. Subsequent budget hearings with partner agencies and 18 county departments will take place following regular commission meetings throughout May and June.

6. Town hall scheduled to demystify property appraisals

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A public informational meeting regarding property appraisals is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. at the Blue Shoes Theater in Pretty Prairie. Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank will be present to explain the property valuation process and answer questions from taxpayers. The commission encouraged public attendance, noting that similar town halls have helped residents understand how their real estate is assessed.

7. County highlights opening of new EMS facilities

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The commission praised the successful opening of the new west-side emergency medical services (EMS) facility, EMS Station No. 2 at 211 W. Fifth Ave., noting it was completed with cost-saving measures while providing a highly functional space for first responders. Moving the station out of the health department allows for faster emergency response times to the western portions of the county. Additionally, officials announced an upcoming open house for the newly completed rural facility, Arlington EMS Station No. 3 at 107 W. Fair St., scheduled for Friday, April 24, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

8. Horizons Mental Health expands services to schools and veterans

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Horizons Mental Health Center reported a service delivery increase of approximately 600 individuals in Reno County over the past year. According to an organizational report, Administrator Vicki Mader updated the commission on new program enhancements, including a dedicated veterans navigator and drop-in "battle buddies" group sessions. Additionally, Horizons has begun teaching "Mental Health First Aid" in local schools, successfully training 143 freshmen in a local school district and 31 students at a local private high school, with plans to expand the curriculum to Hutchinson High School in the fall.

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