Editor's note: We have corrected the mill levy calculation the previous version had the value for property tax computed incorrectly. We apologize for any confusion it may have caused.
The Reno County Commission on Wednesday approved the county’s 2026 budget along with budgets for the county’s special districts, following a lengthy public hearing that included input from residents and agencies that receive county funds.
Commissioners briefly debated whether to table final approval in order to review certain line items but ultimately voted to adopt the budget as presented.
The 2026 county budget totals just under $90 million, with ad valorem taxes making up just over $29 million. The mill levy is set at 37.767 mills, which equates to $434.32 in property tax for every $100,000 of appraised property value.
In addition to the county budget, commissioners also approved the special districts’ 2026 budgets.
On the consent agenda, the board approved:
A construction contract with MBC Construction for the new EMS station just west of 5th and Adams.
An $880,280 bid from Wycoff Construction of St. John for a four-inch water line connection between the City of Hutchinson and Yoder Water District 101. Commissioner Randy Parks noted that a most of these funds will be reimbursed through grants from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
They also adopted a new policy for the Reno County Parks and Recreation Fund.
The next Reno County Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24.