MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Reno County Board of Commissioners will take up a full slate of items at its Wednesday meeting, ranging from community health initiatives to major facility upgrades and economic development incentives.
National Recovery Month Proclamation
Commissioners are scheduled to hear from health educators Thomas Simmons and Gary Race, along with members of the Reno Recovery Collaborative, who will present a proclamation declaring September 2025 as National Recovery Month.
The proclamation recognizes the toll of substance misuse on families, schools, and the workforce, while highlighting the importance of resilience and recovery services. The Collaborative works with health providers, social service agencies, law enforcement, and Oxford Houses to strengthen local recovery networks. Commissioners will be asked to approve and sign the proclamation.
EMS Station 2 Remodel Bids
Another agenda item involves the planned remodel of EMS Station 2 in Hutchinson. Four bids were received, with MBC Construction submitting the lowest base bid of $570,000.
The project is currently under permitting review with the City of Hutchinson. Commissioners will consider a staff recommendation to award the bid to MBC, bringing the total project cost to about $659,600, funded through the county’s 099 Reserve Fund.
Childcare Expansion with United Way
Commissioners will also review a second addendum to the county’s grant agreement with the United Way of Reno County, which administers childcare expansion programs funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
The addendum would allow for upfront funding of $367,230 for the Kids Collective Project, helping alleviate financial strain on United Way and enabling more effective implementation of new childcare programs.
Wifco Steel Job Incentives
On the economic development front, the board will consider a request from ADE Wifco Steel Products, Inc. for job creation incentives as part of a major facility expansion.
Wifco plans to add 20 new jobs over the next year with wages starting at $21 per hour, supported by investments in new laser and welding technology. Commissioners will be asked to approve a letter of intent outlining incentive payments under the county’s job performance grant program.
Special Parks and Recreation Fund Policy
Rounding out the agenda, commissioners will consider adopting a new policy to guide the use of the county’s Special Parks & Recreation Fund, which is supported by liquor tax revenues.
The proposed policy establishes eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and accountability standards for projects such as playground upgrades, trails, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, and wellness programming. The goal is to ensure equitable access to recreational resources across Reno County communities outside of Hutchinson.