MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will tackle a wide-ranging agenda Tuesday evening that includes public hearings on development projects, financing for infrastructure improvements, a resolution signaling the city's intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate, and discussion of the future of a former city-owned building.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hutchinson City Hall, 125 E. Avenue B.
The council will consider setting a public hearing to modify the boundaries of the Landmark Community Improvement District (CID). The district has already been approved, but developers are requesting that the CID be revised so it applies only to the businesses located on the building's ground floor.
Several agenda items involve infrastructure projects that have now been completed and are ready for permanent financing.
The council is expected to set public hearings on proposed special assessments for the Plum Creek Lift Station and Drainage Special Benefit District and the Plum Creek Phase I Special Benefit District. The city issued temporary notes in 2024 to finance construction, which are due Oct. 1. Staff says the next step is to permanently finance the projects through bonds and notify affected property owners before assessments are finalized.
According to city documents, bonds for both projects are expected to be issued in October 2026. Property owners benefiting from the improvements will be assessed, with tax revenue generated through the Rural Housing Incentive District helping offset the special assessments.
The council will also consider scheduling a public hearing for the Spyglass Hills Water Line Special Benefit District. The water line project was approved in August 2024 after receiving petitions signed by all affected property owners and has since been completed. Following the hearing, costs would be assessed to benefiting properties.
Final assessment amounts are expected to be presented during Tuesday's meeting. Property owners would have the option of paying the assessment upfront or over a 20-year period after bonds are issued later this year.
Council members will also consider an ordinance authorizing the future issuance of general obligation bonds to reimburse the city for replacing the HVAC system at Shadduck Park.
The project was budgeted at $177,000 for 2026, but the construction contract totals $183,789. The ordinance authorizes up to $192,000 to cover both the project and associated bonding costs.
City staff recommends approving the ordinance now so construction can move forward without waiting for the city's next bond sale, which could delay the project. The city plans to reimburse itself with bond proceeds expected to be issued in October.
Another significant item is a resolution declaring the city's intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate, a required step before a municipality can adopt a property tax levy that generates more revenue than the previous year, excluding new construction.
The council will also consider setting public hearings on five properties identified as abandoned structures:
- 102 W. 9th Ave.
- 300 E. Ave. E
- 315½ N. Cleveland St.
- 615 E. Ave. A
- 1109 N. Elm St.
The hearings would determine whether the structures should be repaired or demolished as part of the city's ongoing efforts to address unsafe and blighted properties.
Council members are also expected to vote on an ordinance establishing a formal policy governing ceremonial proclamations, recognitions and similar honors issued by the city.
The meeting concludes with discussion regarding the future of the former Information Technologies building at 220 S. Poplar St., where council members will consider options for the disposition of the city-owned property, including a possible sale or redevelopment.