MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commissioners are scheduled to address several significant issues during their meeting Tuesday morning, including transportation improvements tied to economic development, a community tornado shelter proposal and ongoing budget discussions.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.
One of the major agenda items involves a proposal to convert portions of McNew Road and Mills Avenue south of Hutchinson into county roads. The project is connected to Evergy's planned power generation facility in the area and is intended to support future industrial growth near the site. County officials have previously said the road improvements would help accommodate increased traffic associated with the project and provide infrastructure for future development.
Commissioners will also consider a request for Reno County to become a co-applicant on a grant application submitted by St. Joseph Catholic School. The grant would help fund the construction of a community tornado shelter that would serve both students and area residents during severe weather events.
The meeting will also include recognition of Public Works Director Don Brittain, who is retiring later this month. Brittain has spent years overseeing county road and infrastructure projects and has been credited with securing grant funding for numerous county improvements. County Administrator Randy Partington recently described Brittain's retirement as a significant loss for Reno County.
Following the commission meeting, commissioners will have a budget work session for the 2027 budget.