The Reno County Commission moved quickly through its agenda Wednesday, unanimously approving a series of items ranging from digital evidence upgrades at the Sheriff’s Office to a new partnership supporting infrastructure for the Evergy plant project.
Consent Agenda Approvals
Commissioners signed off on routine business, including vouchers for county expenses, a budget adjustment for the Community Corrections Juvenile Behavioral Health Grant, and setting the canvass date for the Nov. 4 city/school election. The canvass will take place at 8 a.m. on Nov. 12, 2025.
The consent agenda also included approval of Resolution 2025-28 & Planning Case #2025-09, making text amendments to zoning and subdivision regulations.
A highlight of the consent items was authorization for the Sheriff’s Office to purchase two forensic computers at $10,200 each. Detective Keaton Berger told commissioners the systems will enhance digital evidence processing capabilities. The $25,000 purchase is fully funded through a grant from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, meaning no direct cost to county taxpayers.
Business Items
Appraiser’s Report: Commissioners acknowledged receipt of the county appraiser’s annual report. The Kansas Department of Revenue’s Property Valuation Division gave the office a 100% compliance score. Operations remain on budget, and no follow-up presentation was deemed necessary unless future issues arise.
MOU with Growth Inc.: County Counselor Patrick Hoffman outlined an agreement with Growth Inc. to serve as a sub-recipient of reimbursable grant funds for engineering and design work on three miles of road leading to the planned Evergy plant. The upgraded roads will meet state specifications. Public Works will issue requests for qualifications (RFQs) for design services, and the county will coordinate with Evergy on a development agreement for road maintenance and cost-sharing.
Administrator’s Report
Administrator Randy Partington presented positive monthly department and financial updates:
• Major departments remain on budget and operating normally.
• Revenues are tracking at 98–99% of projections, exceeding expectations.
• Expenditures are at 57% of budget year-to-date, leaving a strong fund balance.
• The General Fund has grown from $17 million to $20 million.
Fund transfers for youth services, public health, and employee health insurance are scheduled before year-end.
• Fund transfers for youth services, public health, and employee health insurance are scheduled before year-end.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioners reflected on budget decisions and community feedback. They encouraged residents to review meeting packets and reach out with questions.
Highlights included:
• Recognition of county maintenance staff for saving approximately $7,250 by completing a project in-house.
• Praise for Public Works crews on significant road improvements.
• Concerns about possible state-level property tax valuation cuts that could affect county revenues.
In addressing criticism about transparency, commissioners stressed that all agendas, packets, and recordings are publicly posted online. They defended county employees and rejected accusations that staff or the board act “stupidly.”
One idea floated for future discussion was repurposing a vacant county building for vehicle inspections by the Sheriff’s Office.
The next Reno County Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 9 a.m.