MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Hutchinson City Councilman Scott Meggers discussed a wide range of ongoing city projects and priorities in a recent interview, highlighting progress on local infrastructure, budget decisions, and economic development efforts.
Among the positive updates, Meggers said construction on the downtown hotel and the Landmark Apartments is moving forward on schedule. The Landmark project is set to open next year, while the hotel could open as soon as late 2025.
“We’re really excited to see these projects taking shape. It’s great news for downtown revitalization,” Meggers said.
Budget Cuts and Efficiency
Facing budget pressures, Meggers confirmed that city leadership is reviewing expenses to maintain services without increasing the revenue-neutral rate. City Manager Enrico Pacheco has been examining possible cuts, including delaying vehicle purchases and evaluating positions that may not be replaced following retirements.
“You don’t want to make cuts, but sometimes you have to find areas to scale back that won’t disrupt operations,” Meggers explained.
Wastewater Treatment Plant, Infrastructure Needs
Council members recently toured Hutchinson’s aging wastewater treatment facility. Meggers said the city’s engineering team is evaluating needed repairs and upgrades to bring the plant up to modern standards.
Additional infrastructure work is also underway, including ongoing improvements at the Woody Seat Freeway project. Meggers said wet weather and recently approved bridge work may cause some delays but that progress is steady.
Economic Development Role Reimagined
Meggers expressed support for a proposed joint economic development position between the city and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce. He said the move could streamline efforts to attract businesses and encourage coordination between the city, chamber, and county.
“I used to work at the chamber, and I saw how often efforts were happening in silos,” he said. “Bringing that role into the city can help us move faster when new opportunities come up.”
Dangerous Structures, Property Cleanup
The council continues to address dangerous and unsafe structures across the city. Meggers praised progress at the “worm farm,” a previously neglected property that’s now been removed from the unsafe structure list after compliance with city requests.
At the August 5 city council meeting, 10 more properties are on the agenda for review, with some already opting for demolition or applying for permits. Meggers emphasized the importance of property upkeep for safety and beautification.
The next Hutchinson City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 5 at City Hall.