MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Hutchinson city leaders say difficult decisions — including fewer services, delayed projects and possible job cuts — could be ahead if voters reject a proposed city sales tax this spring.
During a Jan. 20 study session, department heads from across the city presented council members with a sobering look at what reductions might be required if new revenue is not approved. No formal votes were taken, but staff walked through “worst-case scenario” options designed to show what balancing the budget could look like without the tax.
City Manager Enrico Villegas said the proposed sales tax would support streets, stormwater infrastructure, parks, facilities and ongoing operations and maintenance — helping relieve pressure on the city’s general fund, which covers most day-to-day services.
“We’re really at the point where there’s not much left to cut that isn’t people or services,” Villegas said. “These are the basics that keep the lights on.”
Fire department warns of station closure
Fire Chief Steven Beer said his department has already absorbed years of budget tightening and has little flexibility left.
After reviewing options, Beer told council the only meaningful way to meet reduction targets would likely be closing a fire station and eliminating nine positions.
He recommended Station 7 near 30th Avenue East because of its lower call volume, but warned the impact would be significant.
“It would mean longer response times, increased wear on the remaining stations and apparatus, and a potential hit to our ISO rating,” Beer said. “That affects homeowner insurance costs citywide.”
Beer noted the department handled more than 6,000 calls last year and reported saving more than $200 million in property value, crediting fast response times for a 97% property save rate.
Streets and infrastructure could deteriorate
Public Works Director Cecil Weible said deferring street resurfacing could temporarily save around $1.5 million, but warned that putting off maintenance often leads to far more expensive full reconstructions later.
“In Kansas, freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on roads,” Weible said. “If we stop resurfacing now, potholes increase and costs go up later.”
Weible also said aging equipment replacements could be delayed, but breakdowns would risk slower service and higher repair costs.
Parks, facilities and projects on the line
Parks officials said staffing reductions would likely mean visible changes in park maintenance, including less mowing, fewer improvements and delays to projects such as trail resurfacing, park upgrades and golf course enhancements.
“We’d move into pure maintenance mode,” staff said. “Anything new or improved would probably be pushed back.”
Police staffing tied to crime reductions
Police Chief Brice Burlie said the department is fully staffed for the first time in decades and has already seen results.
He reported a 13% drop in the crime rate and credited improved staffing with faster response times, more proactive enforcement and better follow-up investigations.
“If we cut officers, those gains disappear quickly,” Burlie said. “We’d also see more overtime and burnout, which costs money in the long run.”
Other departments already lean
Community Development staff said eliminating positions would slow inspections, permits and code enforcement. Finance, IT, communications, emergency communications and airport officials all said their budgets have little discretionary spending left without affecting core services.
Several departments noted that cutting software, equipment or contracts could actually increase costs later or reduce efficiency.
What's next
The proposed sales tax will appear on the March ballot. If approved, officials say it would stabilize funding for essential services and reduce the need for widespread cuts. If voters reject it, staff will return with specific recommendations for reductions across departments.
City leaders emphasized that the study session was meant to show the reality of the choices ahead.
“These aren’t extras,” Villegas said. “These are the services residents depend on every day.”