Reno County Commission Summary
Week of June 10, 2026
Reno County Commission rejects ban on battery energy storage systems
Proposed ban on data centers fails in 4-1 vote
Commission sets special session to debate tech center regulations
Bonds authorized for $10.9 million infrastructure project
Clean 2024 audit reports $68.9 million in unencumbered cash
Reno County Commission rejects ban on battery energy storage systems
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Commission voted 3-2 against a motion to enact a total ban on battery energy storage systems in the county's unincorporated areas. Vice-Chair Randy Parks proposed the ban alongside a similar ban on data centers. Proponents of the ban cited overwhelming public opposition, fire risks and environmental concerns. However, Commissioners Ron Vincent, Richard Winger and Don Bogner voted against the measure, arguing that a complete ban is premature without seeing specific project proposals. The five-member commission, which also includes Chair Ron Hirst, determined that the county should instead rely on the Reno County Planning and Zoning Division to establish safe, comprehensive regulations to protect residents and natural resources.
Proposed ban on data centers fails in 4-1 vote
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A motion to ban data centers in the unincorporated areas of Reno County failed by a 4-1 vote, with Vice-Chair Randy Parks serving as the lone supporter. While several commissioners expressed significant concerns about the massive water and electricity consumption required by hyperscale data centers, they ultimately determined that an outright ban was too broad. Commissioners noted that a blanket ban could inadvertently outlaw smaller, necessary data centers operated by local businesses and hospitals. The board emphasized the need for proper zoning regulations and conditional use permits to manage the industry's growth rather than immediate prohibition.
Commission sets special session to debate tech center regulations
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Following the rejected bans on battery energy storage systems and data centers, the Reno County Commission agreed to hold a special study session on June 15 to discuss potential zoning regulations and conditional use permits. The commission hopes to establish definitive guidelines for the controversial facilities before the Reno County Planning Commission's next meeting. To accommodate the high level of public interest generated by the issue, officials plan to schedule the special evening session at a larger community venue rather than the standard commission chambers.
Bonds authorized for $10.9 million infrastructure project
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved the offering of up to $7.02 million in general obligation bonds to fund road improvements tied to the new Evergy McNew Energy Center. The total project is expected to cost nearly $11 million, with the remaining balance covered by a $2 million Kansas Department of Transportation grant and an upfront payment of approximately $1.88 million from Evergy. Financial advisors anticipate that the county's bond payments will be fully covered by Evergy's future payments in lieu of taxes, meaning no local property tax dollars will be required to fund the infrastructure upgrades.
Clean 2024 audit reports $68.9 million in unencumbered cash
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Reno County received an unmodified opinion—the best possible rating—on its 2024 financial audit, which reported an ending unencumbered cash balance of $68.9 million. Representatives from accounting firm Adams Brown presented the findings, noting that the county required zero proposed journal entries or corrections, reflecting highly accurate internal bookkeeping by county staff. The single audit of federal funds, triggered by the county spending over $1 million in federal aid during the year, also returned no findings of material weaknesses or significant deficiencies.
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