Reno County Commission Meeting Highlights – December 17, 2025

Reno County Commission Meeting Recap
December 17, 2025 | Reno County Courthouse

The Reno County Board of Commissioners met Wednesday morning to conduct regular business, approve agreements, and consider several policy and budget-related items.
***The next Reno County Commission meeting will be held on January 14, 2026, at 9 am in the Veterans Room of the courthouse, 206 W. First Avenue. 

During Public Comment, Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols gave each commissioner a new book and said, "So I am coming to you because I have a new book for you. The book is called Leading Health, and I'll just read you a little bit of from the book. So, what the book says is, it talks about the health gap. Kansas is currently ranked 29th in the nation, according to American health rankings. Kansas used to be eighth. That high point was in 1991. We have been following, falling, steadily ever since. With your help, Kansas can lead the nation and in health again. And then he says, Let me tell you how. So, with your partnership, I'd like to ask you to read your new book, and then it'll be continued dialogue for us into the new year. So, thank you."

Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols

Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols hands out books to commissioners.

✔️ Consent Agenda Approved

Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

• Payment of county vouchers

• Interlocal agreements for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan

• Refuse and elevator service agreements

• Approval to crush and reuse 8,000 tons of concrete at the landfill for county road and facility use

  
  

  Megan Davidson, Director of Reno County Solid Waste, answered a question from Commissioner Vincent about the use of the crushed concrete.

  
  

• Updates to the county Drug & Alcohol Policy

• A one-year $100,000 grant application for the Health Department’s opioid and substance use program

• A construction change order for the Emergency Management storage building

• Declaration of a damaged Public Works vehicle as surplus
  
  
  

Commissioner Ron Vincent comments on the commission's pay discussion.

💼 Commissioner Pay Discussion — No Change

Commissioners held an extensive discussion on potential changes to county commission pay, including comparisons to other Kansas counties and a review of time commitments required of commissioners. Some members expressed concern about voting themselves a raise, while others noted low pay can discourage future candidates.
Action: The commission voted to leave commissioner pay unchanged.

Reno County Human Resources Director Helen FosterReno County Facilities Director Kyle StewartReno County Sheriff Darrian CampbellReno County Public Works Director Don BrittainReno County Commissioner Ron Hirst

💡 New Employee Benefit Approved

The commission approved a one-year trial of SmartDollar, a voluntary financial wellness program for county employees that provides budgeting, savings, and financial planning tools.

• Cost: $19,432 for one year

• Funding: Existing Employee Benefits budget
  Supporters cited employee retention, financial stress relief, and recruitment benefits.
  Vote: Approved 3–2.
  
  

📑 New Procurement Policy Adopted

Commissioners approved a new countywide procurement policy, replacing outdated rules and creating one clear guide for purchasing goods and services. The policy updates dollar thresholds to reflect inflation and modern purchasing practices.
Vote: Approved 4–1.

❌ Lobbyist Contract Denied

The commission considered hiring a lobbyist to assist with state legislation, including potential sales tax authority. After discussion, commissioners voted not to approve the proposed one-year contract.

• Cost avoided: $36,000
  Action: Contract denied.
  
  

Reno County Administrator Randy Partington

📊 Financial Update

The County Administrator reported the General Fund remains in stable condition through November, with final year-end adjustments still pending. Commissioners noted some partner agencies have low fund balances and emphasized continued fiscal oversight.

Reno County Counselor Patrick Hoffman

🗂 Executive Sessions

The commission entered executive session to discuss personnel matters involving non-elected staff.

• County Administrator Contract: Approved unanimously, effective January 1, 2026

• County Counselor Position: Discussed; no action taken
  
  

📅 Meeting Schedule

Commissioners confirmed there will be no meeting on December 31, the fifth Wednesday of the month, due to the holiday.

Reno County Commissioner Don Bogner, center and Ron Hirst, left.

Reno County Commissioner Richard Winger, left, and Ron Hirst, right.Reno County Commissioner Randy Parks, right, and Don Bogner, left.

💬 Commissioner Comments

Commissioners addressed:

• Public concerns over property taxes

• Budget pressures tied to inflation

• Appreciation for county employees and departments

• Community engagement and transparency in local government