MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson City Council is set to address a wide-ranging agenda at its April 7 meeting, including funding for local arts organizations, action on unsafe properties, and implementation steps for a recently approved city sales tax.
Among items on the consent agenda, council members will consider multiple agreements allocating city funding to community arts groups for 2026. Proposed contracts include up to:
- Emancipation Day Committee — $3,715
- Family Community Theatre — $9,659
- Hutchinson Municipal Band Association — $18,000
- Reno Choral Society — $2,813
- Stage 9 — $9,659
Each organization would be required to provide programming within the Hutchinson area and submit annual financial reports. Payments are contingent upon available city revenues and compliance with contract provisions, including nondiscrimination and reporting requirements.
Also on the consent agenda is a resolution authorizing a Horseshoe Pitchers Association event as a special event within a designated entertainment district. The event is scheduled for May 29 through May 31 at Rice Park and surrounding areas. If approved, the resolution would allow alcohol consumption in designated public spaces during specified hours, consistent with city code.
In business items, a public hearing is also scheduled regarding several residential properties deemed unsafe and dangerous. According to the agenda, the five properties are:
- 419 E. Avenue F
- 1526 E. 2nd Avenue
- 224 E. 3rd Avenue
- 213 E. 8th Avenue
- 526 W. Avenue A
A report from Building Official Jason Lady said the properties have been identified as posing significant health and safety risks.
The report states that the structures exhibit issues such as severe deterioration, fire damage, unsecured access, and long-standing code violations, with some properties vacant for years. In several cases, property owners have been unresponsive or failed to address violations despite repeated notices.
If the council approves the resolutions following the hearing, the city could move forward with enforcement actions, including demolition if necessary. Property owners would be given a set timeframe to make repairs or remove the structures, with potential costs assessed back to owners if the city must intervene.
In addition, the April 7 meeting marks the first council session following voter approval of a 0.75% city sales tax during the March 3 special election. Council members are expected to take formal steps to implement the tax, which will take effect October 1, 2026, and remain in place through September 30, 2036.
An ordinance on the agenda would officially levy the tax, while a companion resolution outlines spending and oversight guidelines. City officials estimate the tax will generate approximately $107 million over its 10-year duration.
The proposed framework includes creation of a dedicated sales tax fund, integration of revenues into the city’s annual budget and capital improvement plan, and defined uses for infrastructure projects such as stormwater improvements, street maintenance, and parks. The resolution also calls for annual reporting and transparency measures.
City staff are recommending a hybrid pay-as-you-go financing approach, with any borrowing required to be repaid before the tax expires. The plan also includes eliminating the city’s stormwater utility fee once the sales tax takes effect.
Officials say the combined actions align with broader city goals of improving infrastructure, enhancing neighborhood safety, and supporting community amenities.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.