Hutchinson - Week of April 20, 2025
Mall tax hearing; Economic growth report; $6.3M bond sale approved; Brush Up Reno funding cut; Mural signage rules discussed
Hutchinson Council Sets Public Hearing for Proposed Hutchinson Mall Tax Increase
Greater Hutch Economic Development Highlights Progress, Seeks Continued County Support
Hutchinson Council Greenlights $6.3 Million Bond Sale for Capital Projects
County Commission Denies Funding for Brush Up Reno Program
Hutchinson City Council Discusses Murals and Signage, Considers Clearer Guidelines
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1. Hutchinson Council Sets Public Hearing for Proposed Hutchinson Mall Tax Increase
HUTCHINSON, Kan.—On April 15 the Hutchinson City Council voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on May 6 to consider doubling the special sales tax charged at Uptown Hutch Mall. Mall owner Rock Step Hutchinson LLC wants to raise the Community Improvement District (CID) surcharge from 1 percent to 2 percent so it can finance renovations and attract new stores; the higher tax would not start until 2027, after the company meets agreed‑upon construction milestones. At the meeting, resident Mike Warren questioned whether the current 1‑percent CID has produced visible improvements and asked for guarantees before any increase. A Rock Step representative promised to present a detailed renovation plan and cost breakdown at the May 6 hearing. The council also required Rock Step to pay all legal and administrative costs tied to the CID request, ensuring no new expense for taxpayers.
Source: City of Hutchinson
2. Greater Hutch Economic Development Highlights Progress, Seeks Continued County Support
RENO COUNTY, KS - Debra Teufel of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce presented a comprehensive update on Greater Hutch Economic Development Partnership's achievements during Wednesday's County Commission meeting, requesting continued financial support for economic development initiatives. Teufel highlighted significant 2024 successes, including business expansion projects expected to create approximately 400 new jobs and $30 million in new investment, and the landmark Evergy announcement projected to bring a billion-dollar investment to the region. Commissioners expressed particular enthusiasm about the early success of the Make My Move program—a talent attraction initiative launched in January that offers incentives to recruit remote workers to relocate to Reno County. Despite being just three months into the program, Teufel reported that 30 potential relocations are already in the pipeline, with 15 candidates having completed the approval process (which verifies W2 income and includes background checks) and one family from Seattle already committed to moving pending their home sale. The program aims to attract 10 remote workers and their families by the end of 2026. Teufel concluded by requesting a $5,000 increase in county funding to $55,000 for the upcoming year, emphasizing that this investment works alongside support from Hutchinson, South Hutchinson, and the private sector to drive economic growth throughout Reno County.
Source: Reno County
3. Hutchinson Council Greenlights $6.3 Million Bond Sale for Capital Projects
HUTCHINSON, KS - The Hutchinson City Council unanimously approved a resolution on April 15, 2025, authorizing the sale of more than $6.3 million in general obligation bonds to fund several capital improvement projects throughout the city. Finance Director Angela Richard presented the resolution, which includes $5.27 million in tax-exempt bonds (Series 2025 A) to finance projects including $3.6 million for phase two of the Woodie Seat project, City Hall safety improvements, 30th Avenue reconstruction, City Hall boiler replacement, fire station upgrades, and Law Enforcement Center elevator repairs. Additionally, $1.065 million in taxable bonds (Series 2025 B) will fund the Atrium Hotel project, with provisions making these bonds callable after five or six years for potential early payoff. The bond sale is scheduled for May 20th, with funds expected to be received by June 26th.
Source: City of Hutchinson
4. County Commission Denies Funding for Brush Up Reno Program
RENO COUNTY, Kan.—By a 3‑2 vote Wednesday, county commissioners ended funding for “Brush Up Reno,” an Interfaith Housing program that gave rural homeowners up to $1,500 in paint credit and has spent $125,000 in two years. Supporters called it a visible boost to small‑town curb appeal, but the majority said the one‑time federal ARPA grant that launched it was never meant to become a permanent county expense.
Source: Reno County
5. Hutchinson City Council Discusses Murals and Signage, Considers Clearer Guidelines
HUTCHINSON, KS - The Hutchinson City Council engaged in a comprehensive discussion about murals and signage regulations during their April 15, 2025 meeting. Community Development Director Matt Williams presented examples of murals that enhance the city's visual appeal while explaining current regulations. Williams clarified that murals without advertising messages are exempt from the sign code and unregulated by the city, while those incorporating business names or advertising would be measured and regulated as signage. Council members expressed interest in developing clearer guidelines for artists and business owners, potentially creating a user-friendly FAQ section on the city website similar to existing resources. During public comment, a local artist advocated that murals can simultaneously function as both art and advertisement, suggesting a broader definition could attract artists and visitors to the community. Tom Sellers from Lumineo Signs affirmed the current sign code as "generally contemporary" and appropriate for the community. The council took no immediate action but indicated openness to further input from residents and staff in coming weeks.
Source: City of Hutchinson
Editors note: this discussion was likely prompted by the uproar in Salina over the Cozy Inn mural.
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