Reno County commissioners worked through a full agenda Wednesday, covering year-end financial housekeeping, annual departmental reports, and a key annexation agreement tied to one of the region’s largest upcoming developments.
The commission also announced that December meetings will shift from the normal schedule and will instead be held Wednesday, Dec. 3, and Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Consent Agenda Approved
Commissioners approved a lengthy year-end consent agenda that included a series of fund-transfer resolutions commonly used to close out the fiscal year. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman said these transfers—completed annually in late November—create the documentation auditors require.
The consent agenda also included appointments to both the Planning Commission and the Public Building Commission.
Annexation Moratorium Agreement Approved
Commissioners unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Reno County, the City of Hutchinson, and the City of South Hutchinson.
The agreement prevents any annexation of the Evergy project site until construction is complete—removing jurisdictional uncertainty and keeping the large-scale development on track. Commission members emphasized strong collaboration between all parties.
Financial Update: Sales Tax Trending Up
County Administrator Randy Partington reported on the latest financials:
- Most annual revenues are now collected, but several large expenditures remain.
- Sales-tax receipts continue to outperform last year, and the county has already surpassed its 2024 total.
- If December receipts arrive before Dec. 31, Reno County is expected to exceed $6 million in sales-tax revenue.
Partington also noted that the county’s sales-tax survey will open to the public next week via QR code.
Economic Development Project Manager Katy Fallon reminded residents that Small Business Saturday is this weekend, adding that 65–67 cents of every dollar spent locally remains in the community.