Commission approves boundary for proposed Salt Lick STAR Bond Project District

Commission advances charter resolution to increase transient guest tax

Commission schedules special meeting for budget work sessions

Commissioner highlights county's high property tax burden ahead of budget season

Commission debates enforcement of public comment time limits

Commissioner Randy Parks will not seek re-election, eyes state House

Landfill rates to remain steady in 2027 amid new recycling programs

Commission approves boundary for proposed Salt Lick STAR Bond Project District

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission unanimously approved a resolution establishing the geographic boundaries for a proposed Salt Lick STAR Bond Project District. The move sets the baseline for the Salt Lick Golf Resort project's incremental sales tax capture at zero, as no retail sales currently exist on the site. While the vote does not authorize project financing, the boundary establishment allows developers to advance to the planning commission to ensure the project aligns with the county's master plan.

Commission advances charter resolution to increase transient guest tax

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a charter resolution allowing Reno County to opt out of the state's 2 percent cap on transient guest taxes, paving the way for a lodging tax of up to 10 percent in unincorporated areas. Pending a 60-day protest period, the county can later pass standard resolutions to enact the tax and direct the funds. Officials noted the revenue could be earmarked to help finance the proposed Salt Lick Golf Resort project by taxing visitors to the site, while funds collected from other rural lodging would support general county tourism and economic development.

Commission schedules special meeting for budget work sessions

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission announced a special meeting scheduled for early next week at 8 a.m. to accommodate extensive upcoming business. The abbreviated regular session will feature additional action regarding the proposed Salt Lick Golf Resort project, immediately followed by budget work sessions with multiple county agencies. Officials expect the budget sessions to conclude before noon.

Commissioner highlights county's high property tax burden ahead of budget season

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — During commissioner comments, a commissioner urged the board to maintain strict fiscal discipline during the upcoming budget sessions. The commissioner noted that while Reno County's overall tax mill levy might appear lower on paper, the county ranks fifth highest in the state for property tax burden relative to median household income. The commissioner warned that unlike businesses, private residents cannot pass mounting property tax costs onto consumers.

Commission debates enforcement of public comment time limits

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A debate emerged among commissioners regarding the unequal enforcement of time limits during the public comment portion of meetings. A commissioner pointed out that while the stated limit is five minutes, a speaker at a previous meeting was allowed to speak for nearly eight minutes without interruption. The meeting's chair, Ron Hirst, defended the leniency, saying he prefers to allow speakers extra time if their comments are reasonable and useful, though he agreed to stricter enforcement if the board formally requests it.

Commissioner Randy Parks will not seek re-election, eyes state House

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Reno County Commissioner Randy Parks announced he will not seek re-election for his county seat and has instead filed to run for the Kansas House of Representatives District 104. Parks said he will remain fully engaged in his county duties through the end of his term this year, characterizing his transition to state politics as a continuation of his desire to be a public servant.

Landfill rates to remain steady in 2027 amid new recycling programs

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Reno County Solid Waste Director Megan Davidson reported that landfill rates will not increase for the 2027 budget year. Davidson also announced a new e-waste recycling partnership with a regional recycling company, allowing residents to drop off electronics with cords at the landfill to divert them from the trash pit. Additionally, she warned the public against disposing of lithium batteries in regular trash following two recent small fires at the landfill caused by the volatile batteries.

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