Reno County Commission Approves $626K Landfill Dozer Rebuild, Updates Travel Policy, Names 2026 Leadership

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

The Reno County Commission held their regular meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse. Commissioner Ron Vincent was not in attendance.

6. Consent Agenda
The Board approved the consent agenda as presented by staff. No commissioner requested discussion on any specific consent item.

7. Business Items

 Megan Davidson, Reno County Landfill Director, describes how much money the county saves by rebuilding the heavy equipment used at the landfill for 10 hours a day, six days a week. 

7.A - Caterpillar Certified Powertrain Rebuild on #356 (Serial Number OAW400434) 2019 D8T Dozer from Foley Equipment in the amount of $626,724.93

Presenter: Megan Davidson, Reno County Landfill Director.

Key points:

• The landfill uses the dozer daily: about 10 hours/day, 6 days/week, for pushing/compacting trash and building cells.

• The 2019 Caterpillar dozer is due for its first rebuild at about 15,641 hours (near/over their rebuild threshold).

• The rebuild program is positioned as cost-saving: rebuild cost $626,724.93 versus a new machine around $1.2 million (and the dozer originally cost ~$838,000 with trade-in).

• Each rebuild effectively refreshes major components; Davidson noted the rebuild yields warranties similar to new coverage (as described in packet background).

• Davidson also noted their landfill serves multiple counties under contract (mentioned: Harvey, Kingman, McPherson, Rice, Stafford; with McPherson having its own landfill but referenced as part of contracted group).

Commission discussion highlights:

• A commissioner emphasized that the funding source is the Solid Waste enterprise fund, stating it is not property tax funded.

• Positive comments about the long-running rebuild program and its proven efficiency.

Action: The Board approved the Foley Equipment Caterpillar certified powertrain rebuild (referenced dozer number/serial) in the amount of $626,724.93.

Reno County Administrator Randy Partington talks to commissiners about the updates to the travel policy.

7.B - County Travel Policy Update

Staff overview:

• The updated travel policy was previously discussed in a September study session.

• Staff noted cleanup edits (removal of internal “clarify” notes) and explained the updated policy is more comprehensive and improves documentation and transparency for travel expenses.

• Major operational change described: moving toward per diem for meals when meals aren’t provided at conferences, rather than reimbursing actual meal costs with detailed receipts and sales-tax handling.

• Staff noted the per diem approach was recommended because prior meal amounts didn’t cover costs in larger cities and directors had discussed it for some time.

Commission discussion:

• Commissioners agreed the policy improves transparency and clarity for staff and the public.

Action: The Board approved the new travel policy as presented by staff.

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

8. - County Commission reports/comments 

(They tried a new order: commissioner comments before the County Administrator report.)

• Commissioner Winger: shared a community story about meeting new residents who moved from New Jersey due to high taxes/cost of living, attracted by housing affordability and employment in the area; also mentioned constituents talking about property taxes and hoped for economic improvement; thanked first responders.

• Commissioner Hirst: reported attending the K-96 Corridor Development Association meeting in Colwich with state legislators present; noted corridor work proceeding and mentioned Chamber involvement.

• Commissioner Parks: had no major updates.

• Commissioner Bogner: shared attending a YMCA-related legislative discussion and highlighted YMCA partnerships and health programs (including support programs for conditions like Parkinson’s), noting some offerings may not require membership.

9. County Administrator Report

• Administrator referenced the monthly reports included in the packet (aging, public transit, appraiser, clerk, community corrections, communications, emergency management, facilities) and asked for questions—none raised.

• Noted a joint meeting at the Annex at 10:00 AM after this session.

• Flagged the possibility of a special meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, depending on direction from the joint meeting.

Meeting was adjourned.

Key outcomes / decisions

• Consent Agenda approved (includes vouchers, advisory board appointments/reappointments, Resolution 2026-01 for tax foreclosure action filing, multiple BOCC minutes approvals/revisions, Growth Inc. MOU, transportation commission reappointments, and refuse agreement revision).

• Approved Caterpillar certified powertrain rebuild for landfill dozer: $626,724.93 (Solid Waste enterprise fund).

• Approved updated County Travel Policy (more detailed; meal per diem approach highlighted).

• 2026 BOCC leadership set: Ron Hirst = Chair, Randy Parks = Vice-Chair.

• County Administrator noted potential special meeting Jan. 21, 2026 and a 10:00 AM joint meeting immediately following.

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

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