MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reno County officials say a road improvement project tied to Evergy's new natural gas power plant is about more than supporting one development. They say the work is also intended to position the county for future industrial growth while continuing to carefully manage taxpayer dollars.
County Administrator Randy Partington and newly appointed Public Works Director Logan McCurry discussed the project and several other county initiatives during an appearance on the BW Morning Show.
McCurry recently assumed leadership of the Public Works Department after serving more than 14 years with the county. His experience includes 10 years supervising the Bridge Department and approximately two years as Public Works superintendent.
He said his predecessor, Don Brittan, left a strong foundation for the department.
"I've been Public Works for a little over 14 years," McCurry said. "He left a good foundation and a blueprint for me."
Road project will support Evergy and future development
One of the major topics discussed was the planned reconstruction of McNew and Mills roads near the site of Evergy's new natural gas power plant.
The county plans to improve approximately three miles of roadway, including two miles on McNew Road and one mile on Mills Road, converting the existing gravel roads to concrete.
Partington said the improvements will provide access to the new power plant while also benefiting future economic development.
"The first mile on McNew is really for Evergy," Partington said. "The other two miles will help Evergy a little bit, but it's connecting the Kimball Industrial Park that's down there on Mills and McNew."
Officials said the improved roads could make the area more attractive for additional industrial development beyond the power plant.
Evergy has already begun preliminary work at the site, including placing temporary facilities. The county expects to bid the road project later this fall, with construction anticipated during the first part of 2027.
Eminent domain concerns addressed
Partington also addressed questions surrounding the county's use of eminent domain for acquiring right-of-way easements needed to widen the roads.
He emphasized that the county is purchasing easements rather than taking entire properties.
"We're not taking away any usable land for these property owners," Partington said.
According to Partington, the county has generally offered about $10,000 per acre for the required easements, though many involve only a small fraction of an acre.
Officials said negotiations have been completed with nearly every affected property owner, leaving only one remaining.
If negotiations cannot produce an agreement, the County Commission could choose to proceed with eminent domain. In that case, a judge would oversee an independent appraisal process to determine fair market value for the easement.
Work on county budget continues
Partington also updated listeners on Reno County's 2027 budget discussions.
He said county commissioners recently approved approximately $450,000 in reductions, lowering the proposed property tax levy from about 40.22 mills to roughly 39.6 or 39.7 mills.
The county's overall budget exceeds $80 million.
Partington said departments continue looking for additional savings, but many of the easier reductions have already been made.
"We can cut $100 here, $200 there, but it doesn't really move the needle," he said.
He noted that inflation continues to increase costs for fuel, equipment, construction materials and employee salaries, making it increasingly difficult to reduce spending without affecting services or staffing.
Potential savings now primarily involve personnel costs, capital purchases, building maintenance and vehicle replacements.
Yoder water project nearing completion
McCurry also provided an update on the Yoder water improvement project.
He said construction is nearing completion and officials expect the project to wrap up by the end of August, barring unforeseen delays.
Once operational, the project will allow water to be blended to help reduce nitrate levels that have affected customers in the area for many years.
County officials said they remain focused on maintaining infrastructure, supporting economic development and balancing those priorities with responsible budgeting as Reno County continues to grow.