HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Reno County Commission, during its agenda session Tuesday, agreed to allow certain county departments to transfer carryover dollars to other funds within their departments. County Administrator Gary Meagher says this allows them to use these funds for other projects that are not necessarily included in their budgets. Plus, these funds don’t have their own mill levy and depend on these carryover dollars.
The commission also held a brief public hearing over a petition to dissolve the Hutchinson Industrial Park District 1. This taxing district on the east side of the city was set up when it was still in the county to collect taxes for amenities such as fire service. Since that area is now in the city and all issues pertaining to the Dillons’ warehouse property are no longer a problem, the need for the taxing district is no longer needed or required. The commission then closed the public hearing and voted to dissolve the district.
The commission also agreed to the hourly rate for County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan. They approved increasing the rate from $120 to $125 for regular contract work. And the retainer fee would be increased from $700 per month to $1,000.
They also approved allowing the Reno County Sheriff’s Office to purchase a 2015 Ford Interceptor from Shawnee Mission Ford at a price of $26,635. Although they sought bids from other dealerships, Shawnee Mission Ford was the only one who could deliver it in the required time, by Dec. 22. They apparently have it on their lot, which means the sheriff’s department can pick it up any time now. This new vehicle replaces one that was totaled during normal duties of the Sheriff’s office.