MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain and County Administrator Randy Partington joined the BW Morning Show to discuss the wide-ranging responsibilities of the Public Works Department and major projects currently underway across the county.
Brittain noted that Public Works is one of the county’s largest and most diverse departments, overseeing far more than roads alone. The department’s Road and Bridge Division includes multiple crews responsible for maintaining 551 miles of county asphalt roads, more than 1,100 miles of ditches, bridge construction and repair, signage, culvert installation, and roadside mowing performed several times each year.
In addition to road and bridge operations, Public Works also oversees planning and zoning, noxious weed control, environmental health, and county utilities. The utilities division manages five public sewer districts and two public water districts within Reno County.
One of the department’s most significant current projects involves the Yoder Water District, which has been dealing with elevated nitrate levels. Brittain said the county secured a $1.4 million grant that will fully fund a new water line being installed from Hutchinson to Yoder.
Under the plan, Reno County will purchase water from the City of Hutchinson and blend it with existing county water to lower nitrate levels to safe standards while keeping rates affordable for residents. Construction is underway along Yoder Road, and Brittain expects the project to be completed by May, resolving the nitrate issue by summer.
Another major project is a new joint wastewater treatment system serving the Yoder and HABIT wastewater districts near the former Naval Air Base area, where growth—particularly at the Law Enforcement Training Center—has increased demand. The $6.13 million project, also fully grant-funded, will consolidate the two systems, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and expand wastewater capacity. Design work is ongoing, with construction expected to begin this summer.
Brittain also addressed the county’s road maintenance strategy, noting a significant shift over the past 15 years. All county asphalt roads have now received hot-mix overlays, replacing older patch-and-seal methods that were prone to potholes. Going forward, the county plans to overlay approximately 40 miles of road per year to maintain a 14-year resurfacing cycle.
While townships maintain their own dirt roads, Reno County Public Works is responsible for maintaining all bridges on both county and township roads—more than 1,100 structures in total. Brittain also serves as a resource for township officials on statutory responsibilities and conflict resolution.
Environmental Health, another division within Public Works, oversees private wastewater systems and private water wells outside city limits. Property owners experiencing issues must work through the department, which handles permitting and regulatory oversight.
Brittain said Public Works frequently assists other county departments during emergencies, such as tornadoes or wildfires, working in coordination with Reno County Emergency Management.
Despite taking on additional responsibilities over the years, Brittain said the department has become more efficient through staffing reductions, restructuring, and improved scheduling. He credited the department’s employees for adapting and maintaining high productivity.
Residents with concerns related to roads, water, or other Public Works issues are encouraged to contact the department directly at 620-694-2976. Requests are logged into a tracking system to ensure follow-up.
Looking ahead, Brittain said the county continues to pursue grants to fund bridge replacement projects, noting that Reno County replaces bridges every year—both through contracted projects and in-house construction.
“With more than 460 bridges, hundreds of additional structures, and hundreds of miles of roads, there’s always something happening,” Brittain said. “Public Works never really stops.”