MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners will take up several significant economic development and policy items during their upcoming April 8 meeting, including a proposed STAR Bond district tied to a large-scale tourism project, housing incentives in South Hutchinson, and adoption of countywide strategic priorities.
One of the key agenda items involves a request to establish a STAR Bond district for the proposed Salt Lick Golf & Hunting development. The project is envisioned as a destination resort featuring two 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole par-3 course, practice facilities, lodging, and a clubhouse with dining. The development would span approximately 620 acres in Reno County and could also include guided hunting opportunities.
Developers say the project is designed to attract multi-day visitors seeking a resort-style experience centered on golf and outdoor recreation. The proposed STAR Bond district would help finance infrastructure and development costs through future sales tax revenue generated by the project.
Commissioners will also consider a request from the City of South Hutchinson for $63,000 in housing incentives to support construction of new residential units. The proposal targets development on nine existing land bank lots that are already equipped with infrastructure, allowing for immediate building.
Plans call for construction of seven to nine single-family homes, along with the potential for one to two duplex units. Homes are expected to be priced at $250,000 or higher, aimed at workforce and middle-income buyers — a segment officials say is currently underserved in Reno County.
Under the proposal, Reno County would contribute $7,000 per unit, while the City of South Hutchinson would match with $5,000 per unit, along with additional incentives such as utility rate reductions. Officials say the program is intended to reduce development risk, lower final home prices, and accelerate housing availability.
The request aligns with Reno County’s Resolution 2024-21, which established a framework for supporting residential housing development through financial partnerships. County leaders have identified a need for approximately 90 to 100 new housing units annually through 2035 to stabilize the local housing market.
In addition to development-related items, commissioners will review and consider approval of strategic priorities identified during a February retreat session. Discussions during that meeting focused on balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining essential services and supporting long-term economic growth.
Among the priorities outlined are maintaining a competitive workforce through improved compensation and staffing levels, limiting property tax growth, increasing operational efficiency across departments, and strengthening economic development efforts. Commissioners also emphasized improving transparency and communication with residents regarding county operations.
Officials noted ongoing budget pressures, including inflation and workforce recruitment challenges, as well as the importance of leveraging grants and alternative funding sources to avoid increasing the tax burden on residents.
Commissioners are expected to decide whether to move forward with formal agreements on the housing incentives, establish the STAR Bond district framework, and adopt the proposed strategic priorities for 2026 and 2027.