Reno County Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary – Jan. 28, 2026

Reno County Commissioners Richard Winger, left, Don Bogner, Chair Ron Hirst, Vice-Chair Randy Parks and Ron Vincent.

Reno County Commission Meeting Summary

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | Reno County Courthouse (Veterans Room), Hutchinson

Chair Ron Hirst called the Reno County Board of Commissioners meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Pastor Lee Smith (Solid Rock Bible Church in South Hutchinson).

Public Comment (Items not on the agenda)

Lee Smith

Lee Smith (7816 S. K-14) spoke about concerns related to the nearby Vaulted Deep operation, including odor, noise, light, traffic, and potential water-quality impacts associated with carbon sequestration involving manure and sewage material. Commissioners and County Counselor Patrick Hoffman clarified the facility is located in the unzoned portion of the county and is regulated at the state level, limiting county authority. Commissioners discussed how the situation highlights broader land-use and zoning concerns in rural areas.

Additions or revisions to the agenda

• Chair Hirst announced an additional 15-minute executive session at 9:15 a.m. for attorney-client privileged legal matters.

• Item 6.D (Tax Abatement – Mark Coberly property damaged in the June 17, 2025 storm) was tabled to the next meeting for additional information (motion approved by roll call).

Reno County Commissioners Richard Winger, left, Don Bogner, Chair Ron Hirst, Vice-Chair Randy Parks and Ron Vincent.

Consent Agenda (approved, with 6.D removed)

The Commission approved the remaining consent agenda items, including:

• Vouchers

• Cereal malt beverage licenses for Oasis Sylvia LLC (on-premises and off-premises)

• Setting a County Canvass date/time following the March 3, 2026 City of Hutchinson Special Sales Tax Election

• Selection of Icon Structures as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the Health Department remodel

• Purchase of three 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Explorers and replacement of the Youth Services van (Midwest Superstore)

During discussion, Commissioner Ron Vincent questioned approving the CMAR selection before the project’s total cost was established. County Administrator Randy Partington and staff explained this action selected the construction manager to proceed with design and pricing, with the final guaranteed price and contract returning later for Commission approval. The item ultimately passed after Vincent changed his vote to “yes.”

Executive Session (Attorney-client privilege)

County Counselor Patrick Hoffman

At 9:15 a.m., commissioners entered executive session with County Administrator Partington, County Counselor Hoffman, District Attorney Thomas Stanton and Assistant District Attorney Bach Hang for a legal matter protected by attorney-client privilege. The Commission reconvened at 9:45 a.m. and reported no binding action was taken.

Business Items

Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Oversight Committee member Candace Davidson provides an overview of the opioid settlement funds, including how the funds became available and the application review and selection process.Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Oversight Committee member Lt. Jake Graber provides an overview of the opioid settlement funding proposed for Mirror, Inc. in Newton, including the stipulations associated with the grant award.

7.A – Reno County/City of Hutchinson Fights Addiction Fund (Opioid Settlement Funds)

Candace Davidson Health Promotion Supervisor at the Reno County Health Department, and Hutchinson Police Department Lt. Jake Graber presented a request to award $100,000 in opioid settlement funds to Mirror Inc. in Newton, to reduce the time between identifying someone needing treatment and getting them into care (targeting rapid placement within roughly 70–72 hours). They explained how Kansas distributes opioid settlement funds over multiple years and reviewed eligible “abatement strategies” guiding local spending.

Commissioners asked how funds would be used and how to avoid duplication with existing services. Presenters clarified funding would support treatment access/connection services for Reno County residents, with referrals not limited to a single provider. The Commission approved the $100,000 award to Mirror Inc. by roll call vote.

7.B – Annual Aging & Public Transportation Department Reports

This item was deferred due to the director’s absence.

7.C – Register of Deeds Annual Report

Michelle Updegrove, Reno County Register of Deeds

Michelle Updegrove, Reno County Register of Deeds, highlighted major 2025 progress, including the transition to Tyler Enterprise Records Management (ERM), progress on digitization (including 14 of 18 land index books in the first phase), and ongoing work toward redaction and improved online access. She also discussed long-term preservation planning for record books and future options for off-site secure storage. Commissioners encouraged the public to use the office’s Property Fraud Alert tool, which emails users when documents are recorded under their name.

7.D – Human Resources 2025 Annual Report

Reno County HR Director Helen Foster

Helen Foster, Reno County Human Resources Director, summarized 2025 staffing and operations, including:

• Department restructuring after losing two staff members and adding a new staff member in December

• Health plan challenges related to pharmacy benefits and a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) change (resulting in some prescription disruption due to differing tiers/classifications)

• Continued progress with HPO training, including completion of two cohorts and a third scheduled for February 18–19

• Workers’ compensation premium increases and a focus on prevention through a new Safety Committee, near-miss reporting, and review of Department of Labor safety inspections

• A reported 2025 turnover rate of 29.99% (up from 22.78% in 2024), with hires and separations summarized (2025: 96 hires / 123 separations) and ongoing work on retention strategies (including “stay interviews”)

• Goals for 2026 including performance management updates (coaching/mentoring model with more frequent check-ins) and a comprehensive handbook and policy overhaul

Commissioners discussed pay competitiveness and employee communication around total compensation and benefits.

7.E – Overview of the Group Health Insurance Plan

USI Benefits Consultant Rick Beins

Following Foster’s report, Rick Beins, USI Benefits Consultant, presented an overview of the county’s group health plan strategy and described cost-containment programs and pharmacy-related initiatives. Commissioners requested examples showing where savings were realized to support future budget discussions.

Beins said Reno County stands out among his clients for its sophisticated benefits strategy, noting the County’s approach has helped deliver strong employee benefits while managing overall costs.

7.F – McNew and Mills Road Development Agreement (US 50 to K-96)

Public Works Director Don BrittainCounty staff discussed the road development effort tied to growth in the area near the Evergy plant/industrial park, including the need for design work and eventual right-of-way acquisition. Commissioners approved a services agreement with Anthem Consulting to assist with landowner communication and right-of-way negotiations, with Public Works Director Don Britton noting he would remain involved but supported outsourcing the negotiation work due to workload.

Commission Comments

Commissioners shared updates and constituent feedback, including:

• Calls regarding a proposed golf course/hunting lodge project and water concerns, noting state regulatory oversight.

• Appreciation for Public Works storm response, road treatment and clearing efforts, and quick resolution of a bridge issue.

• Encouragement for residents to seek accurate information through public records and to bring concerns directly to the Commission.

County Administrator Report

County Administrator Randy Partington

County Administrator Randy Partington reviewed the monthly department reports and financials (noting year-end transfers and late-coded expenses were still pending for final 2025 figures). He also asked commissioners to complete an internal strategic planning survey to support a 2026–2027 priority-setting retreat.

Executive Session (Non-elected personnel)

The Commission later entered executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel related to potential applicants for the position of County Counselor, with no final action reported after returning to open session.

To view the agenda for this meeting and all previous meetings, go to www.renocountyks.gov/agendas

To watch a video of this meeting or all previous meetings, go to www.youtube.com/@RenoCounty/streams