MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reno County officials are taking significant steps to boost housing, revitalize aging properties, and tap into renewable energy as part of ongoing efforts to address some of the county’s most pressing needs.
Last week, the Reno County Commission approved a countywide Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, aimed at breathing new life into neglected or aging properties. The plan incentivizes homeowners and commercial property owners to improve their buildings by offering a property tax rebate.
“This is really about giving property owners that extra push to fix up homes and buildings that otherwise might sit in disrepair,” said County Administrator Randy Partington. Properties valued under $250,000 can qualify for the program. After improvements are made, owners will receive a five-year rebate on the increase in their property taxes resulting from the renovations.
Previously, similar revitalization programs existed only within certain cities like Hutchinson, Haven, and Buhler. Now, the countywide plan makes the incentive available throughout Reno County, including unincorporated areas, and gives smaller cities the option to opt in.
Tackling Affordable Housing Affordable housing remains a top concern for local leaders, who point to an ongoing shortage of quality, attainable homes across the county. Last week, the commission approved an agreement with developer Jim Strachan to make new homes in the Plum Creek subdivision more affordable.
Under the plan, buyers could see up to $9,000 shaved off the cost of a lot thanks to county funds, helping lower the total purchase price. “Sometimes it takes a little assistance to make these projects pencil out,” said Partington, noting the county’s broader housing development policy encourages similar partnerships with other cities and developers.
In addition, Reno County has already partnered with the City of Hutchinson on another development project near 11th and Hendricks and has contributed ARPA funds to organizations like Interfaith Housing to support various projects throughout the county.
Turning Trash into Renewable Cash County officials are also working on an innovative plan to convert methane gas from the Reno County landfill into a revenue-generating resource. Through an agreement with Meadowlark Renewables, the county would allow the company to capture and convert landfill gas into usable methane, which would then be sold on the market.
Currently, excess gases are burned off through flares. If the project moves forward, it could generate an estimated $400,000 to $500,000 per year for the county, helping fund landfill operations and possibly stabilizing rates for residents. “This is a great example of turning an environmental challenge into a financial opportunity,” Partington said.
Crunching the Numbers Meanwhile, the county’s annual budget process is underway, with a goal of keeping the mill levy as flat as possible. Reno County’s total proposed budget is about $80 million, covering all expenditures — not just taxes.
Partington said his team has already made adjustments to offset about $4 million in initial projected increases through higher revenue estimates and cash balance shifts. They’re now working to close a final $1.8 million gap before presenting a maximum budget to the County Commission on July 16.
To explore new revenue streams that could ease the property tax burden, Reno County has also contracted Wichita State University to survey residents about the possibility of a countywide sales tax. Any increase above the current limit would require approval from the Kansas Legislature, so the county hopes to have survey results by year’s end to prepare for the 2026 session if needed.
“Whether it’s housing, revitalization, renewable energy, or the budget, our focus is on using every tool we have to make Reno County a place where people want to live, work, and invest,” Partington said.