The Hutchinson City Council will meet Tuesday, June 17, at 5:30 p.m. to consider an agenda that includes a proposed $915,000 bond ordinance, a resolution targeting unsafe structures, and an investment in the Hutchinson Monarchs baseball team.
Bonds for traffic signal upgrades and street improvements
City officials are seeking approval for the issuance of General Obligation (GO) bonds to fund traffic signal upgrades and street improvements under the 2025 Arterial Street Maintenance program. The ordinance allocates $175,000 for traffic signals, $650,000 for street improvements, and $90,000 for bonding costs.
Finance Director Angela Richard said the measure is needed to comply with IRS regulations for recovering capital costs, including engineering and consulting fees, incurred before the bonds are issued. The bond would exclude airport-related work—such as a $112,908 parking lot resurfacing project—to prevent potential tax liability and instead fund that portion with general fund cash.
“This ordinance must be adopted before issuing any tax-exempt obligations,” Richard wrote in a memo to the council and City Manager Enrico Villegas. City staff are recommending approval.
Unsafe and dangerous Buildings
The council will also weigh a resolution to set a public hearing for several properties deemed unsafe and dangerous by Building Official Jason Lady. Inspections showed significant structural hazards such as sagging roofs, unstable foundations, and deteriorated flooring.
Properties cited in the resolution include:
- 806 North Plum Avenue
- 22 West 5th Avenue
- 2100 North Jackson Street
- 211 East 4th Avenue
- 3001 East 4th Avenue
- 1321 East 4th Avenue
- 1221 East 4th Avenue
- 411, 401, and 405 South Main Street
The resolution would establish a formal hearing for owners, lienholders, and other parties to contest potential condemnation or repair orders. City officials say the effort aims to improve neighborhood safety and encourage reinvestment.
Support for Hutchinson Monarchs
Another item up for discussion is a proposal to invest $4,500 in the Hutchinson Monarchs, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Jayhawk Collegiate League. City Manager Villegas submitted a memo outlining how the Monarchs contribute to civic pride, local economic activity, and Hutchinson’s regional identity.
With an average of 300 fans across 16 to 24 home games each season, annual spending could reach $120,000, generating an estimated $6,600 in city sales tax revenue. The team’s presence also drives activity in local businesses and supports city-owned park operations.
“While the direct tax revenue may be modest, the broader economic and social benefits are significant,” the memo states, recommending approval of the investment to support stadium maintenance, marketing, and utilities at Hobart-Detter Field.
Council members are expected to review all proposals and recommendations during Tuesday’s meeting at City Hall.