MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Reno County Commission on Wednesday delayed action on a resolution that could authorize the use of eminent domain to obtain remaining easements needed for road improvements serving Evergy's planned $1 billion natural gas power plant south of South Hutchinson.
The commission tabled the resolution until its Aug. 12 meeting, allowing additional time for negotiations with property owners in hopes of avoiding condemnation proceedings.
Several commissioners voiced reservations about using eminent domain, even while acknowledging it remains a legal tool available to local governments.
Commission Chair Ron Hirst said he has consistently opposed relying on eminent domain but recognizes there are situations where it may be necessary.
I'm not a fan of eminent domain, but it's a legal process that sometimes is necessary if it's not used abundantly, if it's only used for specific purpose." Commission Chair Ron Hirst said.
Commissioner Don Bogner asked whether the improved roadways would become county-maintained rather than remaining township roads. County Counselor John Settle confirmed they would.
Settle explained that the county has already acquired easements from several landowners and is seeking similar agreements from the remaining property owners.
"The property rights we have purchased from several of the other owners along this project are in the form of easements for the use, for the construction and maintenance of a roadway," said Settle.
Commissioner Richard Winger also expressed a preference for reaching negotiated agreements rather than exercising eminent domain.
"Most people in the audience might not understand what an easement is," Winger said. "The road's being built, and they have to have that easement. They know the county needs this property, so they're asking maybe more than what the value is, but hopefully we can come to an agreement where we mutually buy the property and the easement doesn't have to go through eminent domain."
If negotiations with the remaining property owners are unsuccessful, the commission is expected to revisit the eminent domain resolution during its Aug. 12 meeting.
In other action Wednesday, commissioners approved recommending Karen Hammersmith to serve on the Horizons Mental Health Center Board.
County Administrator Randy Partington said the Reno County Health Department director previously occupied the county's designated seat on the board, leaving the position vacant. He noted another Reno County seat also remains open, although the commission only has authority to recommend the county's representative.
The commission also approved updated employee health insurance premium schedules for the coming year.
Human Resources Director Helen Foster said the county's health plans include no major changes, although deductibles for the qualified high-deductible health plan increased to comply with new IRS requirements. Individual deductibles will rise to $3,400, while family deductibles will increase to $6,000.
Foster said employees will pay 17.68% of their health insurance premiums, compared with 17.45% last year. Overall health insurance premiums will increase by 3% for the upcoming plan year.