Reno County commissioners on Wednesday approved several key items during their regular meeting, including funding for a professional survey that could guide the future of a proposed countywide sales tax increase.
The $26,740 contract with Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center will move forward, with the goal of measuring voter sentiment on a potential half-cent or full-cent sales tax. The survey will also assess community support for various uses of the revenue, such as infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
The proposal stems from a Feb. 4 joint session between the Reno County Commission and the Hutchinson City Council, where both bodies expressed interest in pursuing a sales tax measure that could benefit communities throughout the county. Officials hope to finalize a proposal for the 2026 ballot.
County Administrator Randy Partington called the survey a “small investment” that will help craft ballot language with the best chance of passing.
Revenue projections suggest a half-cent tax could bring in around $3 million annually for the county, while a full-cent increase could yield up to $6 million. The county’s current 1-cent sales tax has consistently supported municipal needs since the early 2000s.
The survey will be funded through the county’s general fund, under a line item designated for professional services.
Construction Projects Also Approved
Commissioners also gave the green light to a $763,500 bid from Ward Davis Builders to construct a new emergency medical services station in Arlington. Though the bid came in slightly over the original $750,000 estimate, county officials attributed the increase to rising construction costs and unexpected geotechnical requirements at the site.
The project will be funded through a combination of federal dollars and the county’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) reserves, with construction expected to begin in July. EMS Station 3 will enhance emergency response capabilities in the Arlington area once completed.
Additionally, the commission approved a $357,798 bid from Richardson Brothers Construction to build a new Emergency Management storage facility. The facility will consolidate county equipment and vehicles currently stored at multiple sites.
The final project cost of $379,648 includes additional fees for permitting, surveying, and zoning compliance. Although the project exceeds its original $300,000 budget, county staff recommended approval, noting the importance of centralized storage and ongoing efforts to trim future zoning-related expenses.