The Hutchinson City Council will meet Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m. with a full agenda that includes public hearings on the 2026 city budget, an appeal over the fate of a historic building, and discussions on zoning, parks, and emergency support for Meals on Wheels.
Revenue Neutral Rate hearing and 2026 budget adoption
The council will hold a Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) hearing after the county set Hutchinson’s RNR at 38.612 mills. The city’s proposed budget exceeds that rate, requiring official action to approve the increase. The city council approve the Resolution of Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate at its meeting on July 15.
The city's finance department has proposed a 2026 budget set at 42.095 mills, which is 3.483 mills above the RNR. For a homeowner with a $200,000 property, the tax bill under the proposed rate would be about $841.80.
Landmark Commission Appeal: Bernard's Restaurant and Catering
Councilmembers will also hear an appeal of the Landmarks Commission’s denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of 2100 S. Bonebrake St., the former home of Bernard’s Restaurant and Catering.
On August 4, 2025, the Landmarks Commission unanimously voted to deny the request, recommending instead a one-year extension to allow time for renovation. The commission cited several challenges, including:
• The short time since the property was listed on the State and National Historic Registers.
• City staffing shortages during the condemnation process.
• The lasting impact of COVID-19.
• Deaths in the property owner's family.
• Limited time for the owner to secure a qualified contractor.
The commission stressed the building’s historic significance, noting it honors African American heritage and stands as a woman-owned business, urging the city to work toward saving it. The Planning Commission also voted 5-0 in support of the Landmarks Commission’s recommendation.
Other Agenda Items
The council will have two discussions. The first, the council will have a discussion on a possible camping ordinance. Also, the council will have a discussion on a potential park just west of the Salvation Army near Ninth Avenue and Walnut Street in the Grace Arbor neighborhood.
The council will also hear a rezoning request. Consideration of a zone change from R-5 High Density Residential to C-1 Office Commercial District. The Planning Commission has twice voted against the rezoning, most recently on August 22. The city council voted during their meeting on Aug. 19. To override, the council would need a supermajority vote.
Also, the council will consider a request from Everfull for up to $40,000 in temporary funding through December 2025. The request follows the termination of a contract by the South-Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging, which halted the delivery of about 2,000 meals per month to 200 local residents.
The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.