MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reno County commissioners are entering a critical phase of the 2027 budget process while also preparing for major infrastructure projects and key leadership transitions.
Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said the Reno County Board of County Commissioners will be holding their next meeting on Tuesday, rather than its traditional Wednesday schedule, due to scheduling conflicts and planned budget work sessions. Commissioners approved the change and notified the public last month.
Budget discussions are currently focused on requests from county departments and partner agencies. Partington said the process begins early each year with capital improvement requests and funding proposals from county departments and outside organizations that receive county support. He noted that many of those agencies, including Horizons Mental Health Center and Tech, receive funding through state mandates, while others operate through agreements with the county.
The county is awaiting assessed valuation figures from the Reno County Clerk's Office, which are expected within the next two weeks. Those numbers will play a significant role in determining the county's tax levy and potential budget adjustments. Partington said counties have a relatively short window between receiving valuation estimates and setting maximum budget levels required under state law.
Partington also discussed ongoing concerns about property tax reform, saying county officials are willing to work with state lawmakers to develop realistic solutions. He noted that local officials, including the county appraiser, have communicated with legislators about potential reforms.
The county is also preparing for two major leadership changes. Public Works Director Don Brittain is retiring later this month after helping secure millions of dollars in grant funding and overseeing numerous infrastructure projects. Reno County recently interviewed candidates for the position and hopes to name a replacement soon. Youth Services Director Joe Hammeke is also retiring at the end of June, and the county is currently accepting applications for that position.
Partington highlighted an upcoming road improvement project tied to economic development and the construction of a new Evergy power generation facility south of Hutchinson. The county plans to upgrade approximately three miles of roadway along McNew Road and Mills Avenue. The project will convert township roads to county-maintained concrete roads and provide access to both the Evergy facility and a planned industrial park. Funding will come from grants, Evergy contributions and financing rather than property taxes, according to Partington.
Work also continues on a water line project that will connect a portion of Reno County Rural Water District 101 to the City of Hutchinson's water system. Partington said the project is expected to be completed later this summer and will help reduce nitrate levels in the district's water supply by blending city water with local well water.
Looking ahead, Partington said county commissioners are expected to begin discussions soon regarding possible regulations for data centers and battery energy storage facilities in unincorporated areas of Reno County. Options could include directing the planning commission to develop regulations, establishing guidelines for future permit requests or considering restrictions on such developments.
The Reno County Commission is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, followed by a budget work session.