Reno County Commission Meeting Summary - Nov. 12, 2025

Kari Mailloux, Director of Strategy with the Hutchinson Community Foundation, shared an update on the Foundation’s continued growth and community impact.

November 12, 2025

Community Foundation Week Proclaimed

The Reno County Commission approved a proclamation declaring November 12–18, 2025, as Community Foundation Week in Reno County and recognizing Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025. Residents are encouraged to support local philanthropy, nonprofits, volunteers, and donors.

Kari Mailloux, Director of Strategy with the Hutchinson Community Foundation, accepted the proclamation and shared an update on the Foundation’s continued growth and community impact. Highlights included:

• The Foundation has grown from $400,000 in 1989 to approximately $130 million in assets today.

• Support extends to about 75 nonprofit organizations across Reno County organizations through grants, initiatives, capacity building, and leadership development.

• Housing initiative: committing $2.46 million in grants and loans by 2028 to support housing nonprofits and small-scale developers.
  
  
• Love Where You Live resident perception survey just completed its second year; results coming soon.
  
  

• The Fund for Reno County has provided $6.3 million in grants since 1990, including 48 grants totaling over $475,000 in the last year.

• Long-term goal: grow the fund to $20 million by 2030 to grant $1 million annually.

They also recognized Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025, encouraging residents to support local philanthropy, community foundations, nonprofits, volunteers, and donors. Suggested opportunities include contributing to the Fund for Reno County or participating in the Buhler Community Foundation Match Day.

Kari Mailloux, Hutchinson Community Foundation, accepts the Community Foundation Week proclamation from Reno County Commissioners.

Wifco Steel Products CFO Craig Weingartner provided an update on current operations.

Wifco Steel Products Business Update

Wifco Steel Products CFO Craig Weingartner's update:

• Workforce remains steady at around 90 employees, with expectations to reach about 100 employees early next year.

• Major investments include a second high-powered laser system, planned for operation in January, and a new ERP/financial system.

• Wifco continues diversifying into agriculture, automotive components, utility truck beds, and data center infrastructure.

• The company plans to invest approximately $6 million in capital improvements.

Commissioners congratulated Wifco and other local businesses recognized in the Kansas Department of Commerce’s “To The Stars” awards.

Lauren Storm, Business Retention and Expansion / Workforce Program Manager at Greater Hutch.
Greater Hutch’s Lauren Storm briefly spoke to thank the county for economic development support.

Horizons Mental Health Center – Quarterly Report

Vikki Mader, VP/Chief Executive Officer for Horizons Mental Health Center, presented Horizon's quarterly update.

Vikki Mader, VP/Chief Executive Officer for Horizons Mental Health Center presented their quarterly update:

• Client demand is rising: about 300 more individuals served compared to a year earlier; service counts continue to trend upward.
  
  
• Services include therapy, respite care, community psychiatric support and treatment, peer support, groups, and more.
  
  

• Despite a $4 million financial adjustment tied to reporting errors in a new records system, Horizons ended the year with a positive $1.2 million operating margin. Reporting issues have been corrected.

• Recent crisis activity (July–September):

  • 141 initial contacts, 47 follow-ups, 78 crisis center admissions.
    
    
  • Horizons is among the top three crisis response teams in Kansas.
    
    

• The IPS employment program helped 54 individuals gain and maintain employment last year.

• The Adult Community Services team recently relocated to the Wiley Building downtown to be closer to clients.

  
  

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

Commissioner Compensation Discussion

Commissioners held a discussion regarding commissioner pay, currently set at approximately $11,340 per year, one of the lowest among counties in Kansas of similar size.

Background:
      When there were 3 commissioners and no County Administrator, commissioners made about $27,000 and were in the courthouse full time with offices.
When the board expanded to 5 commissioners and a County Administrator was hired, the total salary pot stayed the same and was divided by five, dropping individual pay.

Helen Foster, Reno County Human Relations Director, answered questions about Commissioner Compensation during the meeting. 

• HR Director Helen Foster:
  Commissioners were placed at Grade 40 in the pay study; entry rate is $46.83/hour (used for modeling).
  Presented scenarios based on estimated weekly hours (5, 7, 10, 15 hrs/week).
  Noted concerns about: Very low reported salaries for KPERS and keeping pay at least equivalent to minimum wage for hours worked.

• Commissioner concerns & viewpoints:
  • Some commissioners emphasized they knew the salary when they ran, and are wary of voting themselves raises.
  • Others stressed:
    • The time commitment (often near or above 10 hrs/week, sometimes 20+).
    • Out-of-work consequences, including one commissioner losing a job and another past commissioner (Weitzel) exhausting leave and insurance to serve.
    • Desire to make service possible for working people and younger candidates, not just retirees or those of significant means.
  • Some argued that any pay increase would be small in the context of a $90+ million budget but might make service more feasible and encourage attendance at more community and economic development events.
  • Doubt remained about whether any realistic pay level would truly “solve” recruitment problems; many felt passion for public service remains the main driver.
    
    Reno County Counselor Patrick Hoffman, spoke to commissioners about their pay. 
    
    County Counselor suggested possibly setting higher pay effective in a future budget cycle (e.g., 2027) so current members aren’t directly raising their own compensation.

After discussion regarding workload, recruitment for public service, and public expectations, the Commission took the following action:

• No salary changes were approved.

• The item was tabled until the December 17, 2025 meeting for further review.

• Commissioners plan to track their time and gather constituent input before revisiting the issue.

  
  

Additional Notes

Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst congratulates local businesses on their To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards with Commissioners Richard Winger, left, and Don Bogner, right. 

• Commissioners expressed appreciation to veterans, the Reno County Clerk’s Office, and all election volunteers for their work during the recent election.

• Commissioners highlighted ongoing partnerships between local schools, Hutchinson Community College, and area employers supporting technical and vocational training. Noted announcement from Prairieland Partners of a 7,000 sq. ft. expansion in coordination with Hutchinson Community College for technical training, especially mechanics/technicians.

• Staff noted that a private company has made informal inquiries regarding a possible battery energy storage project in Reno County. No application has been submitted, and any future proposal would go through the standard planning and zoning process, including public hearings and notifications.

• Economic & Business Positives
  • Recognition of Reno County businesses receiving To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards, including:
    • Kansas Ethanol (agribusiness award winner).
    • Wray & Sons Roofing (retail services winner).
    • Wifco and ~20 other local businesses receiving merit awards.

A joint work session involving the City of Hutchinson, the City of South Hutchinson, and Reno County will take place to explore regional economic development opportunities.

• Thursday, November 20, 2025
• 6:00 p.m.
• Sandhills Event Center – 4601 N. Plum St., Hutchinson

This is an informational meeting only—no decisions will be made—but the public is invited to listen and observe.