Reno County Commission Meeting Summary from Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Agenda Items and Discussions

Business Items:

7.A - Sheriff's Department Equipment Purchase 

• Discussion: 
  • The Sheriff's Department requested approval to purchase a 2019 Kubota MX 5200 tractor and a seven-foot rotary cutter for $29,350. 
  • The equipment will be used for mowing, snow removal, parking lot maintenance, and facility upgrades at multiple properties, including the training facility, landfill, Avenue G property, and jail. 
  • Commissioners discussed the cost-effectiveness of contracting mowing services versus purchasing equipment. 
• Decision:
  • Motion to approve the purchase was passed unanimously after tabling the item earlier in the meeting.

7.B - Arlington EMS Station Bids

• Discussion: 
  • EMS Chief Dave Johnson provided an update to the Reno County commissioners on the construction of Station Three in Arlington.  The project, which involves a 2,600-square-foot facility, has exceeded the commission's $700,000 budget cap by $24,000 due to increased material costs, higher survey expenses, and detailed demolition requirements. 
  • Ward Davis submitted the most competitive bid.
  • The station is expected to be a valuable addition to Western Reno County, improving emergency response times.
• Decision:
  • Commissioners unanimously approved moving forward with the project and approved Ward Davis' bid for the project with construction to begin in July. 

7.C - EMS Storage Building Construction 

• Discussion:
  • Richardson Brothers Construction was selected to build a storage facility for emergency management on G Street.
  • Original bid: $386,980.  Additional costs for surveying and zoning requirements bring the total to over $400,000. 
  • Commissioners discussed cost-saving measures, including removing non-essential features like a bathroom and insulated garage doors. 
• Decision:
  • Motion to approve the bid was passed unanimously. 

7.D - Request for Qualifications (RFQ) - Health Department Renovation Project (Architectural Services)

• Discussion: 
  • A committee was proposed to review and recommend an architectural firm for the renovation of the old EMS building for Health Department use. 
  • Eight architectural firms submitted proposals. 
  • The committee will include two commissioners, the facilities director, the health department director, and the county administrator. 
• Decision:
  • Motion to form the committee was passed unanimously.  Commissioners Parks and Winger volunteered to serve on the committee.

7.E - Sales Tax Survey by Wichita State University 

• Discussion: 
  • Wichita State University was asked to conduct a survey to gauge public opinion on a potential county-wide sales tax. 
  • The survey will cost $26,740 and focus on registered voters in Reno County. 
  • Commissioners discussed the importance of understanding voter priorities before pursuing legislative approval for a sales tax increase. 
• Decision:
  • Motion to approve the survey was passed unanimously. 

8.A - Administrative Updates

Fireworks Sales Resolution 

• Discussion: 
  • The City of Hutchinson updated its fireworks sales dates to June 20 through July 7, with shooting allowed from June 30 to July 4. 
  • The county's current resolution allows sales only from June 30 to July 4. 
  • Commissioners discussed aligning the county's dates with the city's to avoid confusion and provide equal opportunities for sales.
• Decision:
  • Motion to approve the updated resolution (2025-16) was passed unanimously. 

• Quad County Meeting: Scheduled for July 28 in Butler County.  Commissioners were encouraged to RSVP.
• Kansas Natural Resource Coalition Meeting: Scheduled for July 10 in St. John.  Commissioners Parks and Winger plan to attend. 
• Monthly Reports: Reports from various departments were presented with no significant issues raised.
   

10. Executive Sessions 

• Purpose: 
  • Discuss matters protected by attorney-client privilege. 
  • No action was expected to be taken after the sessions. 
• Duration: 
  • Three consecutive sessions, totaling approximately 45 minutes.

To view a live stream of the meeting, go to the Reno County YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@RenoCounty/streams.

The Reno County Commission will meet again on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in the Veterans Room of the courthouse to conduct a budget study session. The study session is not live streamed but is open to the public. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Reno County CommissionDave Johnston, Reno County EMS ChiefKyle Stewart, Reno County Facilities DirectorReno County Administrator Randy PartingtonReno County CommissionReno County Counselor Patrick HoffmanReno County Sheriff Deputy Dustin VanScyocReno County Commissioner Richard Winger