MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson City Council moved through a full agenda during its meeting last evening, taking action on financial resolutions, development fees, regional agreements, legal matters, and major public works updates and approved a new contract for the city’s top administrator.
Council began by approving the consent agenda, which included several board and commission appointments and the 2026 employment contract for City Manager Enrico Villegas.
Under the new agreement, Villegas will earn just under $192,000 next year, an increase from his 2025 compensation of $162,500. The contract also provides a $500 monthly vehicle allowance, a city-issued cell phone, and contributions to his Health Savings Account (HSA).
Two routine but essential end-of-year items were approved unanimously. First, a resolution authorizing the city to pay 2026 payroll and claims promptly, ensuring bills and payroll are processed without delay. Also approved a renewal of the city’s annual waiver from state GAAP accounting standards, allowing Hutchinson to continue using the Kansas municipal regulatory basis. Finance staff said the method is easier for residents to follow, less costly to audit, and consistent with past financial reporting.
Council approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of future General Obligation (GO) bonds for several planned projects:
- 2025 sidewalk improvements - $250,000
- Hutchinson Zoo nature play area - $400,000
- Fairgrounds Park equipment - $150,000
- Replacement of the Memorial Hall roof - $100,000
The dollar amounts listed represent maximum bonding authority and may be adjusted once bids are finalized.
One of the most notable decisions of the evening was council’s adoption of an updated Planning and Zoning Master Fee Schedule — the first major revision in more than 30 years. Community Development Director Matt Williams said the new fees better reflect actual service costs and bring Hutchinson closer in line with peer cities, while still remaining below average in most categories. The changes take effect January 1.
Under the new fee schedule:
- Conditional use permits increase from $165 to $350
- Preliminary plats from $100 plus $15 per lot to $350 plus $15 per lot
- Vacations from $0 to $250
- Variances from $165 to $350
- Variances from $165 to $350
- Zoning amendments for commercial properties from $210 to $500, and residential properties from $210 to $400
Council also adopted a memorandum of understanding with the City of South Hutchinson and Reno County that prevents annexation disputes over land tied to the proposed Evergy power plant. Hutchinson City Attorney Paul Brown said the agreement ensures a smooth path for the multimillion-dollar energy project and reflects improved cooperation between local governments.
The city will participate in national PFAS (“forever chemicals”) litigation after council voted to retain Stag Liuzza, LLC, and McDonald Tinker on a contingency-fee basis. Although Hutchinson’s water system currently shows non-detect PFAS levels in both the wellfield and finished water, working with settlement counsel positions the city to recover future testing costs and meet upcoming regulatory deadlines.
Public Works presented a video and detailed update on the Woody Seat Phase 2 reconstruction, which began in March. Highlights to date include:
- Demolition of the 1958 Avenue A and B bridges
- 408 feet of new waterline
- Storm sewer installation
- Curb and gutter replacement
- Concrete work on the new roundabout
The city expects Avenue A and the Adams Street connection to reopen by the end of January, weather permitting, with full completion, including the Avenue C bridge, is targeted for early summer.
Street crews briefed the council on their winter operations plan, covering salt and brine application, snow routes, training, and weather-monitoring systems. Hutchinson maintains 680 lane miles of roadway, with 333 lane miles designated as primary routes. Crews also showcased their newly decorated snowplows, painted in partnership with USD 308, which will appear in this weekend’s Christmas parade.
Council members highlighted the importance of regional cooperation following last week’s joint meeting with South Hutchinson, Reno County, and the Chamber of Commerce. They also announced upcoming community events, including Saturday’s gingerbread house activities at Memorial Hall and the Downtown Hutchinson Christmas Parade.
The meeting ended after an executive session regarding legal matters with the city attorney.