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Summary of Reno County Commission meeting on Sept. 10th, 2025
The Reno County Commission held their meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Pastor Lisa Simmelink, Emanuel Lutheran Church. Commissioner Richard Winger was not in attendance.
There were no additions or revisions to the agenda.
Public Comment:
Kari Mailloux, Hutchinson Community Foundation, and Randy Henderson, Love Where You Live
Randy Henderson, Love Where You Live
Public Comment - Bart Kooiman
Public Comment - Janet Adams
Public Comment - Mike Clear
Public Comment - William Colvin
Public Comment - Jon Suter
Public Comment - Joshua Haver
Public Comment - Betty Bachman
Public Comment - Joshua Pettay
Public Comment - Jen Pettay
Public comments were received from Kari Mailloux and Randy Henderson with the Hutchinson Community Foundation regarding the “Love Where You Live” initiative and its impact, survey results, and future plans.
Bart Kooiman made comments regarding ARPA fund allocations for childcare, specifically referencing the Kids Collective and requested clarification on metrics, expenditures, and oversight.
Comments were made by Janet Adams, Mike Clear, William Colvin, Jon Souter, Joshua Haver, Betty Bachman, Joshua Pettay, and Jen Pettay regarding property valuations, mill levy increases, affordability, and concerns from both urban and rural residents. Additional discussion took place between commissioners and citizens on these matters during the public hearings.
6. Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was approved, consisting of items 6A through 6H:
- (6A) Vouchers (bills or payments owed by the county or related taxing units)
- (6B) Resolution #2025-24 & Planning Case #2025-07 — Request by Jerry and GayLynn Boone to vacate a 20-foot utility easement and a drainage easement on Lots 1 and 3 of Block A of Ark Ridge Subdivision
- (6C) Declare Sheriff Unit 436 (VIN 1FM5K8AW5MNA15731) 2021 Ford PIU Explorer with 100,715 miles as surplus
- (6D) Resolution #2025-25 — Adoption of the Reno County Special Parks & Recreation Fund Policy
- (6E) Interlocal Agreement — Reno County Amended Neighborhood Revitalization Program
- (6F) Construction Contract — 211 W. 5th Avenue (EMS Station)
- (6G) Request to Purchase Easements — Total amount of $25,000
- (6H) Public Works Request to Award Bid — Water District No. 101 System Improvements to Wycoff Construction, St. John, Kansas, for a total amount of $880,280.00
Reno County Counselor Patrick Hoffman
Reno County Commissioners Ron Hirst, left, Don Bogner, Randy Parks and Ron Vincent
7. Budget Items
7A. Chairman Don Bogner opened the Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearing for the Reno County 2026 Budget. Public discussion included numerous citizen comments regarding increased property valuations and the impact of tax increases on residents, particularly seniors and fixed-income households. Comments also focused on housing affordability, development incentives, and funding allocations.
The commission adopted Resolution 2025-26 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate.
7B. The Board discussed and adopted the Reno County 2026 Budget.
Public Comment - Bronwyn Page, Reno County Museum Operations Manager
Public Comment - Jim Potter
Hutchinson / Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debra Teufel, left, and Lauren Storm with Greater Hutch
Lauren Storm with Greater Hutch
Public comments were made by Bronwyn Page, Jim Potter, Debra Teufel and Lauren Storm.
7C. Bogner opened the Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearing for the Reno County Special Districts' 2026 Budget. No public comment was received.
Commissioners adopted Resolution 2025-27 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate for the Reno County Special Districts.
7D. The Board discussed and adopted the Reno County Special Districts' 2026 Budget.
8. Business Items
8A. Timothy McClatchey, IT Director, presented the Information Technology Annual Report.
9. County Administrator Report
Administrator Randy Partington provided monthly department reports. He also talked to commissioners about moving December meeting dates to Dec. 3rd and 17th to avoid conflicts with conferences and Christmas Eve. .
10. County Commission Report/Comments
Commissioners each provided commentary regarding property tax concerns, citizen feedback, budget transparency, and the need for continued development and innovation to expand the county's tax base.
11. Executive Session
At 11:55 a.m., commissioners went into executive session to discuss matters deemed privileged in attorney-client relationships. Executive session ended at 12:10 p.m. with no formal action taken.
12. Adjournment
At 12:11 p.m., the meeting adjourned until Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.