Reno County Commission Meeting Summary – June 9, 2026

Reno County Commission Rejects BESS and Data Center Bans, Honors Juneteenth and Don Brittain

Commissioners with Shontina Tipton 

Commissioners with Don Brittain, retiring as Public Works DirectorCommissioner Don Bogner shakes the hand of Don Brittain after his resolution was presented.

The Reno County Board of County Commissioners met June 9, 2026, for its regular meeting, recognizing Juneteenth and Public Works Director Don Brittain, approving the County’s annual audit and infrastructure financing resolutions, reviewing a tornado shelter grant proposal, and holding extensive discussions regarding battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centers.

Juneteenth Proclamation

Commissioners proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth in Reno County, recognizing the anniversary of the announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Texas and the effective end of slavery in the United States.

Following the proclamation, Shontina Tipton thanked the Commission and shared information about upcoming Juneteenth activities, including a community blood drive focused on sickle cell disease awareness and the organization’s fifth annual Juneteenth Jubilee celebration.

Don Brittain Day Proclamation

The Commission recognized Public Works Director Don Brittain for 16 years of service to Reno County and proclaimed June 12, 2026, as Don Brittain Day.

The proclamation highlighted Brittain’s leadership, professionalism, mentorship, and contributions to county government. Commissioners expressed their appreciation for his service and wished him well in retirement.

Agenda Amendments

Commissioner Randy Parks requested the addition of two discussion items:

• Discussion regarding a potential ban on battery energy storage systems (BESS).
• Discussion regarding a potential ban on data centers.

Both items were added to the agenda following separate 3-2 votes. Commissioners Randy Parks, Richard Winger, and Don Bogner voted in favor of adding the discussions, while Commissioners Ron Hirst and Ron Vincent voted against adding the items to the agenda.

Consent Agenda

Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included routine county business, vouchers, and a Reno County Sewer District/Yoder Habitat addendum.

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

2025 Audit Report

Representatives Jami Benyshek and Alexis Crispin from Adams Brown presented Reno County's 2025 audit report. Auditors reported that the County received an unmodified opinion, the highest opinion available under the regulatory basis of accounting used by Kansas counties. The opinion indicates that auditors found the County's financial statements to be materially accurate and fairly presented. Auditors also reported no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies and commended county staff for maintaining accurate financial records.

The presentation included a review of County finances, fund balances, expenditures, receipts, and year-end cash reserves.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability.

Commissioners thanked County staff and the audit team for their work in maintaining accurate financial records.

The Commission approved the audit report and related documentation.

Kevin Cowan, Bond Counsel with Gillmore Bell

Bret Shogren hands out information sheets. 

Bret Shogren, Director with Stifel’s Kansas Public Finance practice 

Evergy Road Project and Bond Financing Approved

The Commission approved Resolution 2026-18, authorizing the next phase of road improvement and infrastructure planning associated with the Evergy project. The resolution passed unanimously.

Commissioners also approved Resolution 2026-19, authorizing preparation and offering for sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026-A. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Project Funding

Bond counsel Kevin Cowan and financial advisor Bret Shogren explained the road improvements will support the Evergy project area south of Hutchinson.

Key figures discussed:

• Estimated project cost: $10.987 million
• Bond authorization: $7.02 million
• KDOT grant funding: $2 million
• Significant Evergy contributions and PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) revenues expected to support repayment. 

Shogren emphasized that the plan is structured to avoid burdening county taxpayers. "I don't think you'll have to use any ad valorem taxes to make these bond payments." 

Commissioners thanked the speakers and Public Works for assembling a financing package intended to allow the project to pay for itself through future revenues. 

County Agrees to Support Tornado Shelter Grant Application

The Commission unanimously approved Reno County serving as co-applicant for a FEMA BRIC grant on behalf of St. Joseph Catholic School for a proposed public tornado shelter. 

Project Details

• 4,500-square-foot FEMA-compliant tornado shelter
• Estimated cost: approximately $1.4 million
• FEMA BRIC grant would cover up to 75%
• Required local match provided entirely by St. Joseph Catholic School
• No financial obligation for Reno County
• Facility would be available to the public during severe weather events. 

Commissioner Hirst emphasized the shelter's importance because the area near Cheney Lake currently lacks adequate public shelter space.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Commissioners held an extended discussion regarding battery energy storage systems and whether future projects should be prohibited, regulated, or reviewed through existing planning processes.

Commission Chairman Ron Hirst emphasized the importance of gathering additional information before taking long-term action and encouraged continued review through Planning and Zoning procedures. Commissioner Richard Winger expressed support for studying potential regulations and allowing future proposals to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Ron Vincent discussed the importance of obtaining additional facts before making decisions on emerging technologies.

Commissioner Randy Parks stated that many residents had contacted him with concerns and said he believed the Commission should consider stronger action in response to public feedback. Commissioner Don Bogner discussed balancing economic development opportunities with public safety, infrastructure, and quality-of-life concerns while continuing to gather information.

Data Center Discussion

Commissioners also discussed data centers and their potential impacts on Reno County.

Discussion topics included water use, electrical demand, infrastructure capacity, future economic development opportunities, technological advances in cooling systems, and the role of Planning and Zoning in evaluating future proposals.

Commissioners discussed potential regulatory approaches, including development agreements, conditional use permits, and other tools available through county land-use processes. They also discussed the possibility of future public meetings to continue gathering information and public input before additional decisions are considered.

BESS Ban Fails

The Commission first considered a motion to ban battery energy storage systems (BESS) in unincorporated Reno County. Commissioner Ron Vincent argued that the county should not prohibit a project that had not yet been formally proposed. 

After discussion, the motion failed.

Vote:

• Yes: Parks, Bogner
• No: Vincent, Winger, Hirst

Result: Motion failed 2-3.

Data Center Ban Also Rejected

The Commission then turned to a proposed ban on data centers in unincorporated Reno County. During discussion, commissioners questioned whether an outright prohibition was appropriate given that no formal application has been submitted and no public hearing process has occurred. Commissioners also discussed whether the motion's language could unintentionally affect smaller data facilities commonly used by businesses and government agencies.

Hirst continued to advocate for studying the issue through the county's planning and zoning process and developing potential regulations before taking action.

The motion to ban data centers was rejected.

Vote:

• Yes: Parks
• No: Vincent, Winger, Bogner, Hirst

Result: Motion failed 1-4.

Public Comment

Several residents addressed the Commission regarding battery energy storage systems and data centers.

Margie Westfahl of Haven asked questions about development agreements, including when they would be established, how they would be enforced, and whether a future special meeting would be a study session or a meeting where action could be taken. She also encouraged the Commission to hold future discussions in a larger venue and during evening hours to allow broader public participation.

Robin Jackson encouraged commissioners to consider resident concerns regarding battery energy storage systems and data centers. She emphasized the importance of relying on factual information and measurable impacts when evaluating future projects, referenced actions taken by neighboring jurisdictions, and urged the Commission to continue listening to public input as it considers future policy decisions.

Vicki Jackson discussed concerns regarding the availability of reliable information about battery energy storage systems and data centers, including potential impacts on water resources, energy demand, and county infrastructure. She encouraged commissioners to rely on factual information and to carefully evaluate potential long-term impacts before allowing future development.

Esmeralda Tovar Mora encouraged commissioners to seek independent research and expert testimony before making decisions. She discussed potential impacts on groundwater resources, the electrical grid, utility costs, infrastructure, farmland, and long-term economic development, and asked the Commission to carefully evaluate both benefits and risks.

Mark Alber of Nickerson spoke about concerns related to water resources, public safety, emergency response, infrastructure costs, tax incentives, and long-term accountability for battery storage and data center developments. He urged commissioners to consider potential impacts on rural communities and future generations when evaluating future projects.

JoLynn Dankert of the Highlands shared personal experiences related to emergency response and discussed concerns she has heard regarding potential health, safety, and quality-of-life impacts associated with large-scale industrial development and data centers.

Erin Baker read a statement on behalf of Todd Murray of Buhler, who was unable to attend. The statement encouraged commissioners to consider long-term impacts related to water use, infrastructure demands, electricity consumption, road maintenance, noise, lighting, and overall community well-being when evaluating future proposals.

Commissioner Reports

During commissioner comments, members of the Board encouraged motorists to exercise caution during wheat harvest and planting season due to increased farm equipment traffic on county roads.

Commissioners also emphasized the importance of respectful public dialogue and thanked residents for participating in discussions regarding county issues and future development.

Looking Ahead

Commissioners discussed continuing conversations regarding battery energy storage systems and data centers, adding a business meeting Monday, June 15, 2026, in the courthouse at 6 pm.

The Board concluded the meeting after commissioner reports, monthly departmental updates, and an executive session. Commissioners then conducted a budget study session with Reno County Department directors. 

Upcoming Dates:

Commission business meeting at 6 pm on Monday, June 15, 2026, in the Veterans Room in the Reno County Courthouse, 206 W. First Ave.

Reno County Commission Meeting at 9 am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in the Veterans Room in the Reno County Courthouse, 206 W. First Ave.

To view the agenda and related documents, go to https://www.renocountyks.gov/agendas

To view the meeting or previous meetings, go to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@RenoCounty/streams.

To view a calendar of events, go to https://www.renocountyks.gov and a calendar is on the home page.