SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council discussed a bridge replacement project that has raised questions about who actually is responsible for its upkeep and or replacement. The discussion came during Tuesday’s meeting.
The small span is located on Scott Blvd near Reno County Public Works and is on the edge of the city limits.
According to City Administrator Joseph Turner there’s some question as to who actually owns the bridge. There are claims that the county gave the bridge to the city or the city annexed it some years back. Some say it still belongs to the county. The issue surfaced when the bridge's weight rating was dropped down to where public works can no longer use it. That eliminates a quick way out onto US 50, forcing heavy equipment from public works to go through parts of town.
Turner said the city council agreed to send a letter to the county asking for some assistance in the cost of replacing the bridge.
Also Tuesday night, Brian Garretson was sworn in as a new member of the council. The council had been short two members after Jeff Dovel and Tyler Graves announced their resignations last month. That still leaves one seat vacant on the council. Mayor Matt Nisly says any resident interested in being appointed to the council to fill the remaining vacancy are encouraged to contact him at city hall or via email at [email protected].
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