HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson City Council will take the first step in what could be a vote on a 
sales tax increase to fund major improvements to the Sports Arena.
During Tuesday’s regular agenda session, the Council will take action on a motion to have staff proceed in working out a bond schedule and bond coverage for funding the $29 million project. The action would also give the green light for drafting an ordinance that would place the sales tax question on the April 2015 ballot. The city will ask voters to approve the 0.35% sales tax increase at that time. Action on that ordinance would come during the Council’s Jan. 20 agenda session.
Also Tuesday, the Council will be asked to approve a contract with the South Central Kansas Economic development to act as the administrator for a Community Development Block grant for the Mervis Rail car project. The contract is for $17,000. The grant to Mervis totals $75,000. The council will also take action on the proposed storm water utility program. The fund will help pay for long term repairs to the city’s storm sewer system.
Tuesday’s meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 9 a.m. at the city offices on East B.