Roundup of Reno County Commission Meeting on July 23, 2025 with retirement appreciation for Rochele Hoskinson

The Reno County Commission meeting was held Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse. 

Recognition of Rochele Hoskinson

Kandace Bonnesen, Director of Aging and Public Transportation, and Natalie Goertzen, Assistant Director, spoke to commissioners as they honored Rochele Hoskinson for her 14 years of service with Rcat (Reno County Area Transportation). Rochele began as a driver, later moved into operations and dispatch, and was described as dedicated, community-loved, and essential to the team. She will retire on July 31st. Staff celebrated her with a surprise of five dozen donuts, and she was presented with a plaque of appreciation.

Business Item: Architect Recommendation for Health Department Renovation

Randy Partington, County Administrator, reported on the selection of Landmark Architects for the Health Department renovation project. A panel (including commissioners, the facilities director, health director, and an intern) interviewed eight firms, all qualified, and unanimously recommended Landmark for their local presence, lower estimated fees, and readiness to collaborate.

Key points discussed:

• Renovation aligns with EMS vacating their current space.

• Project includes new exam rooms, ADA-compliant entrance, and general modernization (the building dates back to 1982).

• Estimated funding will come from the Health Department’s Capital Outlay Fund, currently containing over $1 million.

• The commission unanimously approved moving forward with Landmark Architects, pending contract finalization.

County Administrator Report

Randy Partington presented the monthly department reports (DA, communications, health, HR, IT, public works, solid waste, and youth services). The financial report through June (mid-year) showed all departments and funds were in good shape. No specific issues were raised.

Commissioner Reports

• Commissioner Richard Winger reflected on the architect interview process that he participated in. He liked that the architect chosen was a local business and he felt that would work well with the future renovation process. He also expressed concern for community safety that people should drive responsibly, especially with school starting soon. He said that he would like to let the agricultural producers in Reno County know that we appreciate all that you do. Without your goods going to market, food doesn't get on the table. Our family and the county really appreciate you.

• Commissioner Ron Hirst announced that the Reno County 4-H Fair activities were about to begin in force starting Thursday, so go out to the state fairgrounds and see what our youth are doing. He was looking forward to Thursday's Reno County EMS 3 groundbreaking in Arlington. He also praised Reno County staff who are working outside in the extreme heat and that they are doing a fantastic job. 

• Commissioner Randy Parks shared a story about helping new neighbors (veterans from Tampa) appreciate Reno County, highlighting local quality of life, economic development efforts, and promoting Reno as a great place to live. Parks said that he enjoyed seeing Reno County through the eyes of someone new who is just moving to town. One of the veterans said to him, "There is nothing like what you have here in Tampa, Florida." Parks said that the veteran was so excited about what they found in Reno County, they want to have family members move there too. 

• Commissioner Don Bogner updated the community on fire concerns and upcoming Quad County meeting.

The meeting was adjourned with a reminder that a budget session would follow immediately after.