[{"_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",6656136,"mediaKeyId","5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4","parentId",5339760,"title","Kansas State Fair seeks county buy-in for $4.2 million emergency command center","audioSeconds",1678,"startMs",1092000,"endMs",2770000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4&start=1092&end=2770","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4/thumbnail_1092000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656136/Reno-County/Kansas/Kansas-State-Fair-seeks-county-buy-in-for-42-million-emergency-command-center","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656136-1a49ceaeb84b52b9cb5fc468f3b88903/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154716&Signature=QTVk3ThRiIsqCe7q3s9u269ZGXEYwRlPIMwDHnLkCXnyVLm-B8~Xyyy~XdzZcox1ejHLiMhkSDtt2peDnrfhxOwB2~yPrF57CpVVePADgLXA5p1JCgqcRCNxvXOyLsfAucbhoaaHhy8i3IZdFC4VDdTxfvUMF2KcaDRg~C5Z43Z3Z6gxgKMOXwXjhnjDsxzaBR3Vdoe8Twdi1ye0u1U8oDy2IofZN7Pd~tZ5nRXkx6hho5v4p5869~O~o3~2~UtRAjq4DILyNAFvIDF~O~k2Ly7Xa0WG5~8XaRKPRKSGwLeBOyJg-0mlLv6Nc7LtI97ktxAY6D4MUDAuOasuLrH-hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Reno County Kansas","date","2025-07-08T15:19:18Z","article","Brian Schultz, general manager of the Kansas State Fair, asked the Reno County Board of Commissioners to consider partnering on an emergency operations command center at the State Fairgrounds and signaled the state legislature expects local buy‑in.

Schultz told commissioners the fair is working with Landmark Architects on a design for a year‑round, FEMA‑grade concrete facility at the corner of 20th Avenue and Main Street (the former Fire Station 1). He said the project will house a consolidated emergency operations area for highway patrol, county dispatch, VIN inspection and fair operations and estimated total construction closer to $4.2 million. \"We are estimating about a half a million dollars is what we're gonna be requesting from both the city and the county,\" Schultz said.

The request followed direction Schultz said he received from the state legislature to show what local governments — city and county — would contribute before the legislature considers additional funding. Schultz also said the facility would be used during the fair’s roughly 20 days for load‑in, the fair, and load‑out and that the fairgrounds host hundreds of other events year‑round.

Why this matters: Commissioners said an on‑site command center could improve coordination among first responders during large events, but they questioned why county taxpayers should pay to build on state property and raised operational questions about control and year‑round access.

Commissioners pressed several practical and policy concerns during a lengthy discussion. They noted the building would sit on state property and that the county does not share in Kansas State Fair revenues in a way that would directly reimburse a county investment. Commissioners also asked why the county should fund new construction after the old fire station on the same site was demolished; Schultz replied that the fire station had been evaluated earlier and was not brought up to ADA and other code requirements without a more expensive renovation.

Commissioners asked who would lead operations in an incident on fairgrounds and whether county emergency management would retain control when needed. Schultz said incident command would vary by the nature of an incident — e.g., a fire would be led by the fire chief — but that the value of a single facility is having all agencies in one place and easier access to cameras, dispatch and shared planning.

Several commissioners said any county contribution would need a contractual commitment guaranteeing meaningful county access in the off‑season and a clear plan for cost‑sharing. Schultz said the fair is pursuing grants, expects state funding conversations to continue, and brought the proposal to the commission so local partners could begin planning for a potential legislative ask next year.

No formal county action or vote was taken; commissioners directed staff to continue discussion with the fair, the city and emergency management to clarify ownership, operations, contract terms and the county’s potential role.

Ending: Schultz said he will return with more refined numbers and that the fair will continue seeking grant funding and state support while asking local governments to consider whether and how to participate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Reno County Board of County Commissioners 07.09.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Brian Schultz, general manager of the Kansas State Fair, asked the Reno County Board of Commissioners to consider partnering on an emergency operations command center at the State Fairgrounds and signaled the state legislature expects local buy‑in.","taxTitle","Reno County, Kansas","taxId",52856,"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},6656118,"Reno County approves interlocal agreement to extend Kingman County NRP to Kingman‑Reno Fire District in Kingman side",177,3791000,3968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4&start=3791&end=3968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4/thumbnail_3791000.jpg","/articles/6656118/Reno-County/Kansas/Reno-County-approves-interlocal-agreement-to-extend-Kingman-County-NRP-to-KingmanReno-Fire-District-in-Kingman-side","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656118-7905e7c9e8b1e443aee5f8510f824680/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154716&Signature=fxYVnCeOcFBhYMMyT46vBU3qJ0t0Q5keIT3ybFEpCrwY9yKQIdrmnITsjGWYYLLepF~BFbKCAKI6qWbVbzqCFZOEZXWlbogFMMKXuWS3Iw1vMcOuHbcPpC0OjwuwD9qfKS8FiV5vFCyhPD12IF-Q5EJftIL-buA1PhYgQ8DBwBEvPYs4rAdBofiER11EaY1qPCdIFjg7qQvQJJ2or-UX-i3krTC5mvTIqaV7gyEy4J4KPTphpjWkVMKm8ceajDAipEjMZ~vZnJXhQeLP16Eiq77DEhD~HqsdeefdzSS15iBOGPj1BCAb5ZX-L2rlYBptgv-8ywH1vdVgIOu0UizyZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Reno County commissioners voted to approve an interlocal agreement requested by Kingman County that allows the Kingman‑Reno Fire District to participate in Kingman County’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) for properties that lie on the Kingman side of the fire district.

Patrick, the county counselor, explained the request: because the Kingman‑Reno Fire District spans parts of both Reno and Kingman counties, Kingman County wants to extend rebates under its NRP to the fire district portion that lies within Kingman County. The agreement would allow property owners on the Kingman side who qualify under Kingman County’s NRP to receive rebates for both their county taxes and the fire district portion of taxes during the NRP period.

Why this matters: The interlocal agreement mirrors arrangements Reno County has made in the past to allow NRP rebates across overlapping taxing jurisdictions and lets property owners on Kingman County’s side of the fire district access the same rebate structure.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the requested interlocal participation by roll call. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor at the meeting; no county funding was required for this action.

Ending: The agreement was approved and staff will file the appropriate documentation to formalize Kingman County’s NRP extension to the fire district portion on its side.","Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement requested by Kingman County to allow the Kingman‑Reno Fire District to participate in Kingman County's Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) tax rebates for qualifying commercial properties on the Kingman side of the district.",{"_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},6656124,"Reno County officials warn preliminary budget will show higher mill levy; maximum must be set next week",360,4182000,4542000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4&start=4182&end=4542","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4/thumbnail_4182000.jpg","/articles/6656124/Reno-County/Kansas/Reno-County-officials-warn-preliminary-budget-will-show-higher-mill-levy-maximum-must-be-set-next-week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656124-63205ca402e7810b42a1d8a172825135/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154716&Signature=bY2ErUoxtEYzm0MO5ZMJKnun9XeJVUE78pO2wy7JufbZOX4c1ID4aq8eyDTXht89RJHBRENwry-ENQ45qJbfsHKqX1840uTiJPHg-GY7K4Hn-GfcaNLhE4zevhWpHtLRlJNV~~J5Geffouq13eVHsm6vsZZJBLj65vleq90ROoBv8QhIWohrY3aHHihJ35vpwVBjacHdH483Kh8VLunv6EH4ElOqKuckd6UTdCoFG4BeyR0F-mzxXh~KtKX3ezEuArnZqV~GDKTG2kfmvWvzkXigeWz-prU1rMAe529-4VSD9RRbLjXLghw3C~g1TioyTdK8kzUtqhMUgHMKVMIsHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Reno County Administrator Randy briefed commissioners on the county’s budget timetable and a preliminary calculation that shows the mill levy is likely \"just over 38 mils,\" or roughly a two‑mill increase from the current rate.

Randy told the commission that state timelines require the county to publish a maximum budget and related notices by mid‑July and that staff will present a preliminary maximum at next week’s meeting. \"The mill levy right now is looking is higher than I want it to be, and I'm sure what you want it to be, but it's looking like it's just over 38 mils,\" he said.

Why this matters: Statutory deadlines require publication of a maximum budget so residents receive notice of potential tax impacts. Commissioners can reduce the proposed maximum before the public hearing, but staff said it will take additional work to reconcile cuts with state budget forms.

Randy said staff already identified more than $3 million in adjustments from the original requests and that an additional roughly $3 million in cuts would be required to reach a revenue‑neutral outcome; he cautioned that changing the maximum next week will require time to update state forms and calculations. He also described the timetable for the county clerk to distribute notices and for a public hearing, expected in September, where the commission may adopt a final budget.

Ending: Commissioners were advised to review budget materials before the next meeting; staff will return with the proposed maximum budget and spreadsheets showing options for cuts and alternatives.","County administrator presented a preliminary budget preview showing the county’s mill levy just over 38 mills — roughly a two‑mill increase — and warned commissioners they must set a maximum next week for statutory notices while staff continues identifying cuts to get closer to a revenue‑neutral rate.",{"_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},6656128,"Horizons Mental Health Center reports rising service counts, announces downtown lease for adult services hub",310,726000,1036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4&start=726&end=1036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4/thumbnail_726000.jpg","/articles/6656128/Reno-County/Kansas/Horizons-Mental-Health-Center-reports-rising-service-counts-announces-downtown-lease-for-adult-services-hub","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656128-555ed96b82dd5635143a52b82695c94e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154716&Signature=jEGnRv7at3O6xfJm8j6M9MZbDDPV2D-vmeIAsyWqVH2gagDp5XW9qMHXTmFZ4Hn6K3hVvV9TsLoig52DhIVDxcmh8UsT3WT0z8isHiqDhgSrLjT42eZFn9e5R~sOZ9Opvk9AH2AgrxjomzxhSEQ4HunfBmep7pwfjKAJyAF377K3EBG8tAFH8VIJHRNYsbbmeHj6E7-B~-t1o4BTTSYpzX4wUw2tU8y8YlF1ZODcK7dChL2wfMJ5iw4cpzfiIs1sx6Yyxms0H5LHD3zyUpC9g~hZhuiNlQemx5QVBssWsCguzNZponvG8SPjJg9OB2dtgdmNLZhwTsPSQ07iILbEAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vicky Mader of Horizons Mental Health Center updated the Reno County commissioners on the center’s quarterly activity and upcoming local site expansion.

\"We're up to 3,497 people received services for us in that quarter, and that's the highest it's been for the year,\" Mader said, describing quarter‑by‑quarter client counts specific to Reno County and noting service volumes and service‑mix information for board members.

Mader said service counts in a quarter can range widely but that Horizons is not seeing a decline; she reported service counts of between roughly 56,000 and 65,000 services in any given quarter across the provider’s reporting and described a focus on community‑based services including community psychiatric support and treatment (CPST), therapy and medication services.

Mader invited commissioners to a July town hall co‑hosted with the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas to discuss statewide and local mental‑health developments and said Horizons’ two mental‑health first‑aid trainers were recognized for providing the most training to first responders in Kansas.

On local expansion, Mader said Horizons will lease the back portion of the Wylie Building downtown and convert it into a hub for adult community services, adding offices and client space. \"We are going to be leasing the Wylie Building downtown, doing a little bit of construction, and that is gonna be a hub for our adult community services,\" she said, and said Horizons expects to open the space within a few months.

Ending: Commissioners thanked Mader for the report; no county action was requested.","Horizons Mental Health Center reported a high quarter of service recipients in Reno County, invited commissioners to a statewide town hall, and said it will lease space in the Wylie Building downtown to serve as an adult services hub.",{"_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},6656133,"Reno County approves Station 2 EMS design for bid; commissioners question sprinkler, costs and local bidding competition",951,2821000,3772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4&start=2821&end=3772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339760-943164c9e71c0becc3544da6c34039d4/thumbnail_2821000.jpg","/articles/6656133/Reno-County/Kansas/Reno-County-approves-Station-2-EMS-design-for-bid-commissioners-question-sprinkler-costs-and-local-bidding-competition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656133-da89d672c856f028780552bf605c1439/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154716&Signature=cVT1rHoVO5s9eY~MhxbIeMGLC3qJA2AGru2QogzTcq5ShPRS7Exv0p6dVivuacez1Vq-V1MGk05yLi9CIQvhAG8~YZoTlm3M5lj8ccsyp1VN1R7t6W9isoRoGPpvA5wfJDKehXAhwhAwjYYybvAAtTePPr17T3uxnYAS10ozmdLPCQvb-ku-rWf2822GX6aoJ02x0ziqa0ZOc8aTbnXV7ZhW7PLmGSr12BjIBQY2kVq8ys82lze1D35l0BhlEJU7cQscXKelvEhprLHygVWI8zHzk6aEt3UC3RITbAIU5tfrWoWwJmNVdXxw396RyllfS59i-2qrHimdg594wcG4sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Reno County approved 100% design documents for a remodel of the Nelson building as Station 2 EMS and authorized staff to put the project out to bid, although commissioners expressed concerns about costs, a newly required fire suppression system and the county’s recent experience receiving few competitive bids.

Kyle Stewart, Reno County director of facilities, presented the finalized drawings and a probable cost estimate. \"Construction costs for this building, Hutton estimated is $600,000 for the remodel,\" Stewart said, and he described alternates that could increase or reduce the final contract price.

The county’s estimated budget rose after the city required part of the building to be sprinklered. Stewart said the added scope — sprinklering bedrooms and the kitchen area plus a new fire main to the city water main — accounts for roughly $63,000 of the estimate.

Why this matters: The remodel will house county EMS staff and include sleeping quarters, kitchens and administrative space. Commissioners said the project must be economical and asked staff to press bidders on domestic availability of long‑lead items and to try to increase contractor competition.

Commissioners and staff discussed recent procurements that produced a single bid and said they want to broaden outreach. Stewart said past single‑bid results reflected labor availability and contractors’ willingness to do sealed public work; he also said staff will ask bidders about line‑item costs and alternatives after bids return.

The commission approved the motion to accept the drawings and move the project to bid. No construction contract was awarded at the meeting; staff will return with bid results and a recommendation for award when bids are evaluated.

Ending: Staff will solicit bids using the approved 100% drawings, evaluate responses and brief the commission on cost, required alternates and possible scope adjustments.","The county approved final Station 2 EMS remodel drawings and authorized staff to solicit bids; the estimated remodel cost is $600,000 with a new fire suppression requirement and water main work raising the price, and commissioners pressed for clearer bidding outreach and domestic sourcing to avoid shipping delays.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kansas State Fair seeks county buy-in for $4.2 million emergency command center

Reno County approves interlocal agreement to extend Kingman County NRP to Kingman‑Reno Fire District in Kingman side

Reno County officials warn preliminary budget will show higher mill levy; maximum must be set next week

Horizons Mental Health Center reports rising service counts, announces downtown lease for adult services hub

Reno County approves Station 2 EMS design for bid; commissioners question sprinkler, costs and local bidding competition