HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Consideration of the legislature to change the date of municipal elections in the state is meeting with resistance from local government agencies. The city of Hutchinson agreed Tuesday to a resolution opposing the plan which they say would be partisan.
The legislature is considering the change that would move the municipal elections to the fall of even numbered years. The city wants the elections to stay in the spring in odd numbered years. They’re afraid if the local elections were held in connection with the state and federal elections, local issues would be lost or ignored by voters.
They say the current law provides flexibility for communities to structure their local elections to reflect local preferences and any change could lead to additional cost for special elections.
The council also approved the final design and wiil allow city staff to proceed with bidding for phase one of plans to improve Main Street. The work will be from 23rd north to 30th. The street will remain five lanes and work will include mill and overlay of the existing roadway, curb and gutter removal and reconstruction among many others.
Work should start later this year.