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Reno County Commission Meeting Recap that includes 4-H, Horizons, Kansas State Fair and Station 2 EMS Building
To watch the meeting, go to www.youtube.com/@RenoCounty/streams
July 9, 2025, Reno County Commission Meeting Recap
At 9:00 a.m., the Reno County Commission meeting came to order, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer led by Chaplain Adam Wooten.
A Welcome from Reno County 4-H
Reno County 4-H Ambassadors Tagan Metzger and Kora Zongker, invited the commissioners and the community to the upcoming Reno County Fair, set for July 23–28 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. They also extended a special invitation to commissioners to the awards luncheon on July 28 at noon. Fair Board President Clint Lanning also gave commissioners tickets to attend the Blue Ribbon BBQ held on Sunday, July 27th and a schedule of events. The Reno County Fair is open to the public and all the information can be found at www.renocountyfair.com
Commissioners took a group photo with Fair Board President Clint Lanning, 4-H Ambassadors Tagan Metzger and Kora Zongker, and 4-H Agent Katherine Sundgren, Ambassador Advisor Karolyn Kellogg was in attendance taking photos.
Reno County 4-H Ambassadors Tagan Metzger, left, and Kora Zongker
Reno County Commission photographed with Reno County 4-H representatives
Mental Health Impact Report
Next, Vikki Mader, Chief Executive Officers at Horizons Mental Health Center, gave her quarterly report, starting with a “mission moment,” highlighting a client who had struggled to find work for three years but is now not only employed but planning to buy a car—thanks to Horizons' employment support services.
Vikki reported that 3,497 residents received services from Horizons in Quarter 3 of 2025, the highest of any quarter this year. She emphasized the agency’s growing focus on community-based support, especially psychiatric and therapy services. Vikki also proudly shared that Horizons’ Mental Health First Aid trainers were recently recognized as the top trainers for first responders in the state of Kansas.
Looking ahead, Horizons plans to open a new adult services hub in the Wiley Building downtown, offering mental health care in closer proximity to those who need it most.
Vikki Mader, Chief Executive Officers at Horizons Mental Health Center
A Request from the Kansas State Fair
Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair, asked the Commission to consider contributing funds toward the construction of a $4.2 million Emergency Command Center at the site of the former fire station at the northeast corner of Main and 20th Street. The center would serve as a year-round hub for law enforcement, emergency responders, and event security coordination.
While Bryan emphasized the critical need for such a center, especially during the state fair’s peak season when over 330,000 visitors converge on the grounds, several commissioners expressed concern about using county tax dollars on state-owned property.
Commissioner Bogner called the request “pretty darn steep,” while others questioned the decision that demolished the former fire station without considering renovation. Some commissioners showed interest in the project but made it clear that a long-term access agreement and shared use during emergencies would be necessary for further consideration.
Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair
Reno County Commission Chairman Don Bogner comments during the meeting.
EMS Station Design Moves Forward
The Commission then approved the updated plans for the EMS Station 2 remodel. Facilities Director Kyle Stewart presented the $600,000 project estimate, noting that $63,000 of the cost is tied to a fire suppression system now required by the City of Hutchinson.
Commissioners voiced frustration over rising construction costs and the potential for single-bid responses but agreed that the project needed to move forward. They unanimously voted to approve the design so it could be released for competitive bidding.
Reno County Facilities Director Kyle Stewart
Reno County Commissioner Randy Parks, right with Commissioner Don Bogner
Commissioner Richard Winger, left, talks to Kyle during the meeting.
Interlocal Agreement with Kingman County
The board then approved an agreement allowing property owners in Kingman County’s portion of a shared fire district to receive tax rebates through that county’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP). Reno County had no financial obligation but needed to officially authorize the arrangement.
Reno County Counselor Patrick Hoffman
Budgeting Season Preview
County Administrator Randy Partington gave a preview of next week’s important budget meeting on Wednesday, July 16, where commissioners will be asked to set a maximum mill levy for the coming fiscal year. He warned that due to state deadlines, the public notice will likely reflect a higher tax rate—just over 38 mills—even though the Commission plans to explore reductions ahead of the final hearing in September.
Partington noted that the county has already trimmed over $3 million from initial budget requests, but an additional $3 million in cuts would be required to achieve a revenue-neutral rate.
He also introduced Joshua Chonga, a Wichita State MPA graduate and the new Public Management Intern.
Reno County Administrator Randy Partington
Joshua Chonga, a Wichita State MPA graduate and new Public Management Intern
Reno County Commissioners Richard Winger, left, Ron Hirst, Don Bogner and Randy Parks
Other News & Notes
During the County Commission Report and Comments section, Commissioners shared their experiences attending patriotic events over the Fourth of July weekend, including South Hutchinson Freedom Fest, the Sky Riders Drum & Bugle Corps performance, and the Fourth of July Patriots Parade. They also commended local FFA members who recently received the Certificate of Excellence for outstanding work in agriculture.
The meeting concluded with a closed-door executive session to discuss legal matters related to the landfill methane lease. No action was taken following the session.
Commissioner Richard Winger shows the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps flyer
🗓️ Coming Up
Next week’s meeting at 9 am on Wednesday July 16, 2025, will include:
The 2024 Audit Presentation
Setting the maximum budget for Reno County