[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6209127,"mediaKeyId","3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b","parentId",3736494,"title","Finance staff warns of CIP funding gap; council discusses county survey and potential sales tax option","audioSeconds",1384,"startMs",5311000,"endMs",6695000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b&start=5311&end=6695","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b/thumbnail_5311000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6209127/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/Finance-staff-warns-of-CIP-funding-gap-council-discusses-county-survey-and-potential-sales-tax-option","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209127-1e0981dae4880d660d5e7c61722c24dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200550&Signature=kbW4~xE7edG-Kxn-0jNqJvaRLk0QX5UhtwWw6AvBlFMsxa-Rv1n8h-s9P0cjeDnHk9JlVpX2kN38JKHu2kuH-KKN3uDX3v-lglTG083F6Da4VA12VMwW3r4Y7w6XktX6nzywC9Q6Za9T56eNJofEjsLM6POQ2aP1C3Tr~rBQCC0Ujvy7ofNbdP3BfoaPGmhZitQgOjzOs1a7QSHll9mqBFn-D3MGZ2PmpXe1P3xGaU~LCwPR12CFSrtCJiM4UgDaJklbh5kAIUuDe3dDmEUkCTUNT0jkAZFROLHn-dGOWMOj8ioprkF-90X~65GkmCz8o67y3Lxu781n-nqExwpR2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Hutchinson, KS","date","2025-06-03T00:00:00Z","article","Angela (city finance staff) reviewed recent transfers and the five‑year CIP financing picture, warning that the city’s proposed CIP requests exceed available cash transfers and bonding capacity without additional cuts or new dedicated revenue. She and staff presented a list of proposed adjustments — including deferring some downtown maintenance, reducing traffic‑signal and bridge allocations and funding some projects from reserves — to lower the proposed bonding amount.

Nut graf: Staff said meeting the city’s long‑term bonding and transfer targets will require several million dollars in cuts or a new revenue source; the council discussed a county‑run survey to test priorities for a possible county sales tax that could include dedicated street funding.

Key points. Finance materials showed a history of general‑fund transfers to the CIP and a target bonding figure the city typically uses to smooth debt service. Angela presented a proposed transfer target that “we probably need that to be closer to 1,750,000.00. That's the cash the general fund is gonna transfer.” Staff proposed a package of cuts and deferrals to hit a lower bonding target and acknowledged that repeated cuts reduce service and capital outcomes.

County survey and sales tax discussion. Councilmembers discussed a recent county approach to surveying residents with Wichita State University about potential county‑level sales tax options; staff said county officials requested a contribution (about $26,000) to support the survey. Staff emphasized the survey would identify priorities for spending but would not predict passage rates. Councilmembers and staff discussed the equity of sales tax revenue (spreading cost to visitors as well as residents) and the constraints of timing for the city’s budget process.

Process and next steps. Staff asked council to indicate priorities and provided an initial set of proposed CIP reductions; staff will return with revised packages. Council will also consider joint county conversations about a county sales tax but noted any survey or initiative is separate from this year’s final budget timetable.

Ending: Staff said they will bring refined CIP choices and updated revenue numbers after county valuation information and further operational budget work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hutchinson, KS, City Budget Study Session- 06/03/2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","City finance staff presented revenue and transfer history and proposed cuts to bring the CIP into a bondable position; council discussed a county‑led survey and the possibility of a county sales tax to fund infrastructure.","taxTitle","Hutchinson City, Reno County, Kansas","taxId",52857,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209131,"Council reviews large parks and recreation CIP items: Memorial Hall overhaul, zoo phase 1 and neighborhood parks",1016,4569000,5585000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b&start=4569&end=5585","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b/thumbnail_4569000.jpg","/articles/6209131/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/Council-reviews-large-parks-and-recreation-CIP-items-Memorial-Hall-overhaul-zoo-phase-1-and-neighborhood-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209131-8394276c69859bc35c3336aab1992b1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200550&Signature=L2HPCWd2GANywX8w4QELf5VVBpUpwD~yHPch5SdpjsJtDXO2qZd0jyrortR58qh3tz5JQvf9zr1K65hvAFfruaxv3K1osHhMiRM3vudmyN-B3J78k9nrELNz3ZefDLXOzv5BcOZr0wor3liDp-gyohr310n28psoX6wMXeZ1m657hZcb~ajCABzlPjTRiLe7VZ-CSlt57tl89rrQsWPWlNOelO5gjlnM2HWmAJhQeebUpoYBshHb9~522KH~QazZuBGcRokG~nL8FoaXGQ9W74JJ4-MUp9a~~Tln9~uRwpx0pzq6OkGRqU2GHZc0ErFk9Dv0yZqQLMGqb0iee1gC9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented multiple Parks & Recreation capital projects for council consideration, ranging from a comprehensive Memorial Hall renovation to targeted upgrades at the zoo, playground replacements and neighborhood park development.

Nut graf: The packet grouped several park‑related capital requests that would be phased across years; Memorial Hall and the zoo drew the most detailed discussion because of scale and potential funding mechanisms such as STAR bonds and philanthropic support.

Memorial Hall. Staff presented two cost scenarios for Memorial Hall renovation: an approximately $4.7 million scope that excludes enclosing the top balcony, and a larger $5.5+ million build that would convert the top balcony into enclosed multipurpose space. The plan would modernize HVAC, restrooms and concessions, replace interiors and convert ramps to stairs while preserving primary assembly function. Staff noted an estimated $4.0 million in potential STAR bond eligibility to offset project costs; final scope will depend on design decisions and funding availability.

Zoo Master Plan Phase 1. Staff and Friends of the Zoo described a phase‑1 package that preserves the existing train loop footprint while rebuilding track support and improving the boarding area, and adding new small‑to‑medium exhibits (Mexican wolves, javelinas/peccaries and a mixed‑species yard). Zoo staff emphasized welfare and low‑infrastructure species selection: “when we are picking animals for our collection, we're picking animals that we can have really great welfare for, that can be outside as much as absolutely possible,” a zoo staffer said. Friends of the Zoo would continue to operate the train and provide volunteers; the train loop rebuild is intended to reduce derailments caused by rotten ties and poor subgrade.

Neighborhood parks, playgrounds and trails. Staff proposed converting the Jim Martinez trail from asphalt to concrete in phases and exploring opportunities to move trail sections off the levee where safe. Playground replacements were proposed at Fairgrounds and other sites; Fairgrounds playground was flagged as a high‑use candidate with estimated replacement cost in the $125k–$150k range. A proposed Grama Harbor neighborhood park design would create a lawn/gathering area, a shelter and playground equipment on land to be leased long‑term from the Salvation Army.

Funding and partnerships. Staff said some projects would seek grant, philanthropic or reserve funding; the zoo plan noted Friends of the Zoo support and potential revenue from train ridership as a non‑entry fee revenue driver. Memorial Hall scope and timing will depend on funding choices including STAR bonds. No formal votes were taken at the study session; staff will refine designs and funding strategies.

Ending: Staff requested council feedback on priorities and whether to advance detailed design and grant applications for major items.","Staff presented a suite of parks projects including a $4.7–55 million Memorial Hall renovation (options depend on enclosing an upper balcony and STAR bond availability), a zoo phase‑1 plan emphasizing a rebuilt train loop and new species exhibits, playground replacements and neighborhood park development.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209136,"City outlines road, bridge and traffic signal work; staff flags funding shortfall",313,2937000,3250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b&start=2937&end=3250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b/thumbnail_2937000.jpg","/articles/6209136/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/City-outlines-road-bridge-and-traffic-signal-work-staff-flags-funding-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209136-e5ae2f2f365f599dbd0be4a10ed06617/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200550&Signature=fu5YH8EZIcr0jxNIUUYtKbsbDiBnBzrLW8pCOqwzu2jk0YcWXGznS14Jtk423SSFL1WwouFekoTSuhae0lMqzuxg0uwwj1TnKsdcSX8dtKzyZShmjX-bAj2GjFJQhDzF5VS2gxaIO89IU-F1ADZdRELRShKCRGde6P7r~B84PnfxE1AEVTUp-2cDG~fzb8tltdEtE3HPlv8TJ9mqAisKudwYtk7waBHumIxQ-xUMAc38gaTU9UMcUpho1NotEDaExqBdaZ-~zC6bigy4K5FOZ37rsZtxNVIcexbMUcnitHeg-bC6pB203TAas1apwARKxv~TJ369oMdhfTtcm6fOUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City street engineering staff and council discussed a broad slate of transportation and stormwater projects proposed for the 2026 CIP, ranging from residential chip seal cycles to bridge reserve funds and traffic‑signal controller replacements. The presentation emphasized an eight‑year chip‑seal program for residential streets and a targeted rehabilitation approach for the Sandhill diversion box.

Nut graf: Staff said the city must trim proposed CIP requests to meet available funds and proposed several deferrals and reductions; they also outlined targeted repairs such as a $500,000 phased rehab for the Sandhill Diversion Box and a planned program to replace aging traffic signal controllers and cabinets.

What staff proposed. Street staff described an 8‑year residential chip‑seal cycle, with a mill and overlay for each sector on a 24‑year rotation, crack sealing and staging of higher‑cost overlays. For the Sandhill Diversion Box — roughly 1.5 miles of concrete conveyance — staff proposed a $500,000 budget to begin interior concrete repairs from the north end and proceed as funds allow. The presenter said most failures appear on the interior and the program will use contractors to patch and repair multiple localized areas.

Traffic signals and safety grants. Staff said many traffic controllers and cabinets are well past expected lifespans and that moisture, wiring deterioration and manhole water intrusion cause recurring outages during storms. Staff proposed capital replacement of older controllers and wiring, and noted some individual traffic poles can cost about $100,000 to replace because of new KDOT foundation standards (23‑foot foundations). Evan Patterson noted a Safe Streets for All grant opportunity: “this grant lets us spend somebody else's money evaluating some of the areas in town that we wanna, determine, if they're appropriate to investigate further,” he said.

Funding tensions and proposed cuts. Finance staff and the city’s packet showed the total CIP requests exceeded the city’s target. Staff proposed deferring bridge maintenance for the year, reducing the downtown maintenance reserve and trimming traffic lights and other projects to meet a constrained transfer and bonding target. Angela (staff) said the transfer target “we probably need that to be closer to 1,750,000.00. That's the cash the general fund is gonna transfer.” Councilmembers were asked to weigh priorities and consider whether to seek a dedicated revenue source for streets.

Ending: Staff said they will refine street project lists after council direction and that many projects will require multi‑year funding or external grants to proceed.","Street, bridge and traffic infrastructure needs were presented with an emphasis on multi‑year chip seal cycles, a Sandhill diversion box rehab, traffic signal controller replacements and possible cuts to meet CIP limits.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209140,"Hutchinson airport seeks runway reconstruction, new jet center and to assume fuel operations",578,2088000,2666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b&start=2088&end=2666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b/thumbnail_2088000.jpg","/articles/6209140/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/Hutchinson-airport-seeks-runway-reconstruction-new-jet-center-and-to-assume-fuel-operations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209140-6505659516681aee92434b9ace2d87d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200550&Signature=WECMEGCXxxKy6gVcXgDsbbuyIYJrrjPrhS7yGzFd16u0--EgAT4mH0yT0lToFdufPrT-1fU61yAQo1Ae984~OulcXMKORVYBxf7zHpdXDz9kBF4KPI6O1n96QA6cqGJ~ZbNH5OjdJHOZ68Dqz-Mhu6kDkVKmqq0Iv64INmrCNGPe2lqwsTU0Xf5wT8vsNHsNzUl4~xl92yeL9z~umwW-8YdHGNgeCoP9rWlxvnN3~3QjPjwdy5ezs8PeAt0kO~60z2OcYqbNmUB6yq~etmgZMkX6ZvqohnCZQ4QKPurKAqdKRoWL2DhHT48DMPB8-ZnbJr1DuG6qm1Fwqr4wgBeafQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Alex Stang, Hutchinson Airport director, told the study session the airport’s five‑year capital plan centers on a full concrete reconstruction of the main runway (13/31), a modern fixed‑base operator (FBO)/jet center and decommissioning a secondary runway that lost FAA sponsorship. “This would, this would help address that situation and replace that weak, degrading sub base, boost that pavement index, and the idea would be to have this completed before the 20 29 USGA senior open,” Stang said of the runway work.

Nut graf: The airport presentation framed runway and facility upgrades as economic‑development investments: engineers and staff plan to pursue federal funding (FAA grants, BIL) for most of the runway cost while the city would put up a local match. Stang also proposed the city exercise its proprietary rights to operate fueling at the end of the current private lease in 2027.

Scope and schedule. Stang described the 13/31 pavement section as flexible asphalt over a weak subbase; reconstruction to concrete would raise the pavement bearing index and allow heavier aircraft and larger events. He estimated the reconstruction as a multi‑year effort with most costs eligible for FAA funding; engineering and planning in 2026–27 would precede larger construction in 2028–29. Stang estimated the overall five‑year airport CIP at about $23 million, with roughly $19 million in federal funds and $4.3 million local match in his package.

FBO, fueling operations and equipment. Stang proposed a new modern jet center (planning and engineering in 2026–27, construction to follow) with an executive/pilot lounge, office space and hangar capacity intended to attract corporate traffic. He also proposed the airport take over fueling operations after Wells Aircraft Services’ lease ends in 2027. That transition would require additional staffing, ground‑service equipment and operating support; Stang provided staffing‑level estimates for an operations technician, operations manager and administrative assistant.

Runway 4/22 decommissioning and redevelopment. Runway 4/22 no longer receives FAA sponsorship and would require city funds for maintenance; Stang proposed decommissioning it and making roughly 270 acres of airport land available for commercial or industrial development. He estimated a mill/overlay of 4/22 would cost the city about $750,000 if maintained as an aeronautical runway.

Funding and next steps. Stang said the airport would pursue BIL and FAA grants and public–private partnerships for the jet center to reduce local cost. He noted FAA staff have been receptive to a runway reconstruction request. No formal council action was requested at the study session; staff said they will refine engineering costs and grant applications for future budget adoption.

Ending: Airport staff asked the council to consider prioritizing runway engineering and supported FAA grant applications so construction could be bid ahead of the 2029 USGA event.","Airport director proposed a five‑year CIP that centers on reconstructing the main runway to concrete, building a modern FBO/jet center and preparing to run fueling operations when the current lease ends in 2027; most runway funding would be FAA grants.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209145,"Hutchinson staff call for immediate repairs at aging wastewater plant; some water improvements planned",1674,388000,2062000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b&start=388&end=2062","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3736494-23e014f3358a81a932255360ee206f8b/thumbnail_388000.jpg","/articles/6209145/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/Hutchinson-staff-call-for-immediate-repairs-at-aging-wastewater-plant-some-water-improvements-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209145-503b1469b6e13f33c1a3aaa8f99faa90/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200550&Signature=AZAUuTkAH9xcGWoKmiFdfSmzU-PU0ra157uVz-v-UpgclCGJAoBsqaZ0YA5ZVLb01DOULFRflT5UlESH8IjGb2X-pmOyb3StHhkvFR16wBrGMS9adektGPTzXaEnr1JRlXuhK5cdr83~2YINHF7~m6v49f8wqqZ0PPbNpCMU4fO45Wjnc-iuK1P9YJt-IfT2Wc3IabwuFVl4IsqLrdTPoZVUMeQqMU4DKtLpl1UZslQkimud1cB-EijUwwHoOvS4nlSYytBhcvRWgmFtM2DH4ovcTo5ZbFkwCHgQiZOqvt2~l6dKVmGxyhzbViiEk25ko84s2kRdeT5Mv3JdGpRziQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Evan Patterson, city engineer, told the Hutchinson City Council at a study session that consultants and staff prioritized immediate fixes at the wastewater treatment plant that are “poor or emergency” conditions and should be included in the city’s year‑1 capital improvement program for 2026. “The projects that are either classified as poor or emergency are the ones that will be, proposing to be included in what we call the year 1 CIP, which is the 2026 budget,” Patterson said.

The nut graf: The presentation by HDR and city utilities staff laid out dozens of water and wastewater projects, front‑loading life‑safety and reliability work for next year — including structural repairs of digesters, replacement of key pumps and a closed‑headworks centrifuge — while flagging larger, multi‑year items and reapplication for State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding this summer.

Most urgent: wastewater life‑safety and critical process equipment. HDR’s inspection and staff notes identified failing concrete, unsafe walkways, decayed pump and valve systems and clarifier internals that need replacement or major rehab. Patterson and Utilities Director Dave Gwynn said the digester area contains immediate life‑and‑health risks and that a package of repairs labeled “digester complex phase 1” is proposed for next year. The influent pump station and headworks received similar emphasis: Patterson said pumps and valving must be replaced and that a nonoperational headworks impairs plant performance.

On clarifiers, HDR documented interior spalling and exposed rebar after draining a tank, and Patterson said the city can save money by reusing the outer concrete while rebuilding the clarifier internals. He told councilmembers the approach could extend useful life rather than replace whole tanks.

Water system priorities and reliability. The water treatment plant, constructed in the late 2000s and in generally better condition, nevertheless faces operational risks the city wants to head off. Patterson outlined projects to remove biofilm from reverse‑osmosis membranes, improve permeate flushing, relocate dechlorination closer to RO feed pumps and add UV reactors to protect membrane life. He also proposed a head tank to stabilize pump VFD operation and two full‑capacity backup generators to ensure potable water delivery during power outages. “We only have about an 8 hour window of water in the towers right now with our current, storage volumes and our normal consumption,” Patterson said, underscoring the reliability concern and long lead times for generator procurement.

Finance and next steps. Staff said cost estimates in the presentation are “all‑in” (engineering, construction, procurement, contingency) and that some large projects would span multiple years. Several projects have been pre‑applied to SRF; staff expects SRF determinations by July 1. Utilities staff also told council they are implementing operator training and an asset management system to reduce future failures. Gwynn noted that to fund the proposed CIP fully, the city will likely need to revisit water rates: “we would have to adjust our water rates, to in order to accommodate these projects. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to afford them. We bleed out all of our reserves and operating cash,” he said.

Discussion vs. decision. This session was a study discussion; no binding action was taken. Staff asked council for direction on priorities and whether to pursue SRF funding and multiyear budgeting for long‑lead equipment.

Ending: Staff offered follow‑up material and plant tours and said HDR will return for targeted investigations inside the digester complex. Councilmembers and staff flagged the need to balance expansion projects (water extensions outside existing customers) against funds for critical repairs to existing infrastructure.","City engineers and consultant HDR presented a priority list of repairs for Hutchinson’s wastewater plant and water system, recommending emergency and near-term projects in the 2026 CIP and noting the need for future rate adjustments and SRF loan applications.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Finance staff warns of CIP funding gap; council discusses county survey and potential sales tax option

Council reviews large parks and recreation CIP items: Memorial Hall overhaul, zoo phase 1 and neighborhood parks

City outlines road, bridge and traffic signal work; staff flags funding shortfall

Hutchinson airport seeks runway reconstruction, new jet center and to assume fuel operations

Hutchinson staff call for immediate repairs at aging wastewater plant; some water improvements planned