Hutchinson - Week of May 10, 2025
Mall Revitalization?; Solar Regulations; Reno Museum's Future; Landfill Fees; Low Income Housing
Mall Seeks to Revitalize with Second Phase, Increased Sales Tax District
Solar Regulations in Unzoned Areas Spark Debate, Divide Commissioners
Future of Reno County Museum Uncertain Amidst Downtown Revitalization Plans
Landfill Fees for Out-of-County Users to Rise; Local Rates Stable Amidst Debate
City Approves Incentives for Two New Affordable Housing Projects
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Mall Seeks to Revitalize with Second Phase, Increased Sales Tax District
The Hutchinson Mall is looking towards a significant overhaul with "Phase Two" of its redevelopment, a plan that includes closing most of the interior mall space to refocus on outward-facing tenants. To fund these changes, Rock Step Capital, the mall's owner, petitioned the city to increase the Community Improvement District (CID) sales tax from 1% to 2% for businesses within the mall. This new 2% CID would only take effect after the developer meets specific benchmarks for securing new tenants and would last for a 22-year term. Council members and the public raised concerns about the impact on current interior tenants, particularly several fitness-related businesses that may be displaced, and the overall condition of the mall property, including parking lots and driveways. Mall representatives stated that repairs to problem areas in the parking lot and drives were already scheduled as part of their spring maintenance. The council ultimately approved the creation of the new 2% CID and the amended development agreement.
City of Hutchinson
Solar Regulations in Unzoned Areas Spark Debate, Divide Commissioners
A proposal to implement solar regulations in Reno County's unzoned areas failed to pass after a lengthy and spirited debate among commissioners, culminating in a 3-2 vote against sending the matter to the planning commission for public hearings. Proponents of regulation argued for the need to protect landowners and the county from potential negative impacts of large-scale commercial solar projects, emphasizing the importance of public input and oversight. Conversely, those opposed voiced concerns about infringing on property rights in unzoned areas, suggesting that landowners should retain autonomy and that existing state-level agencies provide sufficient oversight. The decision leaves the unzoned portions of the county without specific local regulations for commercial solar development, though the moratorium on such projects was also lifted.
Reno County
Future of Reno County Museum Uncertain Amidst Downtown Revitalization Plans
The Reno County Museum faces a critical juncture as its current building is slated to become a parking lot under the city's new downtown master plan, museum officials reported to the commissioners. This revelation spurred a discussion about the museum's future, including potential relocation and the need for a decision from both the county and the museum's board. Despite increasing annual revenue by approximately $30,000 and decreasing costs by $20,000 in the past year, primarily through payroll reduction and cutting community events, the museum's operational costs remain around $200,000. The director emphasized the museum's mission to preserve and educate on Reno County's history and expressed a desire to make the museum more interactive and engaging, potentially through a new facility if a move becomes necessary.
Reno County
Landfill Fees for Out-of-County Users to Rise; Local Rates Stable Amidst Debate
Reno County residents will see their annual landfill user fees remain unchanged at $96, while out-of-county users and those disposing of special waste will face increased charges starting in 2026. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the new fee structure, which includes raising out-of-county tipping fees to $37 per ton and increasing fees for KDHE-authorized special waste and asbestos by $1 per ton. The decision aims to keep local rates low, a goal supported by public cooperation in separating loads. However, a debate arose regarding the $10 per ton fee for commercial construction and demolition (C&D) debris, with one commissioner questioning if this cost is ultimately passed on to residential homeowners who already pay the annual user fee when they hire contractors for services like roofing. County staff clarified that the C&D fee for commercial entities was instituted previously to offset a larger increase in the general user fee.
Reno County is also exploring an agreement with a developer, Sparq/Meadowlark RNG, to capture methane gas from the county landfill and potentially generate revenue. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman announced that a preliminary agreement was approved late last year, and a final agreement is nearing completion. To ensure commissioners are fully informed about the "fairly involved and complicated project," a study session is planned for May 14th, following the regular meeting. This initiative represents a novel approach for the county and aligns with broader interest in capturing methane from various sources for green energy production.
Reno County
City Approves Incentives for Two New Affordable Housing Projects
In a move to address the city's housing shortage, the council approved measures to support two new affordable housing developments. The "Plaza Trails" project by JES Dev Co., Inc. plans to construct 36 units near the Dillons on 30th Street, while the "Hutchinson Park" project by Zimmerman Properties will bring 48 units near Lorraine and 11th. Both developers are seeking state and federal low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). To strengthen their applications, the city approved Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for both projects, which will provide sales tax relief and allow the developers to apply for a 10-year property tax abatement. In lieu of full property taxes, both developers agreed to a "payment in lieu of tax" (PILOT) of $250 per unit per year. The council also approved requests for a $40,000 reduction in building permit and tap fees for each project. These actions aim to make Hutchinson more competitive in securing the necessary tax credits for these much-needed housing units.
City of Hutchinson
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