Reno County Commission votes 3-1 against seeking legislative authority for sales tax question on ballot

Reno County Commission Chair Ron Hirst, right, address the people who attended the special session of the Reno County Commission, with Commissioners Richard Winger, left, and Don Bogner.

On January 20, 2026, the Reno County Board of Commissioners held a special session at 4:00 p.m. in the Veterans Room at the Reno County Courthouse. Present were Commissioners Don Bogner; Chair Ron Hirst, Richard Winger, and Ron Vincent (by phone). Commission Vice-Chair Randy Parks was not in attendance.

Randy Partington, County Administrator

During the special session, County Administrator Randy Partington outlined three sales tax concepts that aligned with the top priorities identified in the county’s sales tax survey:

1. Ad valorem (property) tax reduction + capital outlay

2. Economic development or public infrastructure

3. A combined option allowing the county to ask voters about a sales tax supporting property tax reduction, economic development, and infrastructure

Partington noted the survey of registered voters showed nearly 70% support for a half-cent countywide sales tax, and the online public survey showed more than 50% support. The results of this scientific survey by Wichita State University's Public Policy and Management Center, can be found at https://www.renocountyks.gov/Sales-Tax 

Legislative authority and potential election timing

Partington explained that Reno County would first need Kansas legislative approval to gain authority to place a countywide sales tax question on the ballot. Draft legislative language under discussion would allow rates such as 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, or 1%, with the final purpose and exact rate to be set later through a county resolution if the Commission decided to proceed.

Possible election dates discussed included August 2026, November 2026, or—if delayed—special or regular election options in 2027 (March, August, or November). He emphasized the Commission was discussing whether to request legislative authorization, not approving a tax at this meeting.

Commissioner Richard Winger, left, talks to fellow commissioners Don Bogner, center, and Chair Ron Hirst during their special session Wednesday. 

Commissioner Don Bogner points out that the Reno County Commission is very transparant with commission meetings broadcast and archived on the county's YouTube channel and that all budget information is on the county's website. 

Commissioner discussion and concerns

Commissioners emphasized the importance of public awareness and clarity. Several noted that residents had told them they did not know about the survey, and commissioners discussed the likelihood of public resistance if communication was not significantly expanded. Questions were raised about whether a sales tax would produce a meaningful property tax reduction or primarily shift the tax burden.

Partington and commissioners also discussed that sales tax revenue could potentially replace some current property-tax-funded items (including portions of economic development funding and road/bridge spending), creating indirect property tax relief. However, they noted the actual impact would depend on future decisions, inflationary pressures, and budget needs.

Food tax exemption discussion

The Commission discussed interest in seeking the ability to exempt groceries from local sales tax, but Partington noted the county does not currently have statutory authority to do so. He stated a grocery exemption could be mentioned as a point of interest in any request to the Legislature, if commissioners wished.

Public comments reflected mixed views:

Kevin Evenson
Joyce WilsonChris Link
Katie Link

• Some residents argued Reno County’s sales tax is already high and warned against increasing the overall tax burden.

• Others criticized the survey sample size and urged the county to focus on cutting spending.

• Some speakers emphasized transparency, and commissioners responded by pointing to the county’s published budget information on the web page www.renocountyks.gov and recorded/archived public meetings at https://www.youtube.com/@RenoCounty/streams  When asked about how people can help the commission, Commissioner Bogner said that people should "run for something. Look at all the empty spots in township elections, city elections, school board elections, nobody runs." In addition he said, "If you see something that is in that (county's) budget and you question it, you can email any of us up here on the board or Randy Partington.” 
  
  

Jackson Swearer

• Noted Hutchinson voters will consider a separate city sales tax increase in March, which is unrelated to the county discussion.

• Emphasized the Commission was not voting to impose a tax at this meeting.

• Stated the discussion was whether to ask the Kansas Legislature for authority to place a countywide sales tax question on the ballot.

• Suggested the combined option—property tax reduction + economic development + infrastructure—could have the broadest appeal.

• Added that a countywide tax could be more equitable, potentially benefiting smaller communities because revenue would be shared countywide rather than staying only within a city.

Action taken

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded not to pursue legislative authorization at this time (not to ask the Kansas Legislature to allow a countywide vote on a half-cent sales tax). The motion passed by roll call, 3–1, with Commissioners Ron Vincent, Richard Winger, and Don Bogner voting yes, and Commission Chair Ron Hirst voting no.

The chair thanked attendees and encouraged continued public participation and use of county resources for information.

The next Reno County Commission regulary scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the Veteran's Room at the Reno County Courthouse, 206 West 1st Avenue.