Hutchinson City Council to Consider Sales Tax Election, Major Development Projects, Rate Changes, and Strategic Plan
The Hutchinson City Council is scheduled to consider a wide-ranging agenda that includes a proposed citywide sales tax election, economic development incentives, utility rate adjustments, long-term planning initiatives, and major capital projects when it meets in the coming weeks.
One of the most significant items before the council is a proposed ordinance that would place a three-fourths percent (.75%) general retailers sales tax before voters. If approved by the council, the question would appear on the March 3, 2026 ballot. The proposed tax would be in effect from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2036, pending voter approval.
City officials say existing revenues are not sufficient to meet current needs, which include unfunded federal stormwater mandates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, street maintenance and repairs, park improvements, capital improvement projects, and ongoing city operations. Approval by voters would authorize the city to levy the additional tax to help address those funding gaps.
The council will also consider authorizing the issuance of approximately $2.9 million in taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the Gunbros project, led by Selwyn Investments, LLC. The bonds would support acquisition, construction, and equipping of a commercial business. Under the proposal, the city would hold title to the property during the bond term and transfer ownership back to the developer once the bonds are paid in full. City officials emphasized that no city funds or taxes would be used to repay the bonds, and all associated costs would be borne by the developer. The proposal includes a request for a 10-year property tax abatement and aligns with the city’s strategic goal of strengthening tourism as an economic driver.
Another item involves a 2 percent rate increase for refuse services under the city’s existing contract with Stutzman Refuse Services. The proposed increase, effective January 1, 2026, would adjust residential monthly trash service from $11.00 to $11.22, with similar increases for commercial and walk-in services. City staff say council approval is required under the contract terms, and the changes support the city’s livability goals.
Council members are also expected to approve a resolution calling a public hearing on January 20, 2026, to consider adoption of the Hutchinson STAR Bond Project Plan. The Kansas Department of Commerce approved the plan earlier this month, designating the area as an eligible museum and rural redevelopment project and authorizing up to $13.2 million in STAR bond financing. Adoption of the plan would allow the city to move forward with bond issuance, though the hearing itself does not obligate city funds.
Building and development issues are also on the agenda. The council will review an updated Building Permit Fee Schedule, the first comprehensive update since 2018. City staff say the proposed changes are designed to make Hutchinson more competitive with similar Kansas communities, lower residential permit costs to encourage new housing, and better align fees with actual service costs. The changes would take effect January 1, 2026, and are not expected to significantly impact overall city revenues.
In addition, the council will consider adopting the City of Hutchinson Strategic Plan for 2026–2028, developed with assistance from Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center. The plan outlines five strategic objectives addressing operational efficiency, long-term funding models, economic development alignment, neighborhood investment, and housing supply. While the plan does not authorize new spending, it is intended to guide future budgets and departmental priorities.
Finally, council members will consider approving an $84,000 agreement with WDM Architects for design and construction administration services for Phase 1 of the Hutchinson Zoo Master Plan. Phase 1 includes upgrades to the zoo’s train system, new animal habitats—including a mixed-species tortoise and kangaroo habitat—and conservation-focused exhibits along the train loop. The project will be funded through the city’s 2026 Capital Improvement Projects budget.