The Reno County Board of County Commissioners convened on September 10, 2025, to address various agenda items, including budget discussions and consent agenda approvals. The meeting began with a call for public comments, where concerns about property taxes were raised. One attendee expressed frustration over the perceived inconsistency in tax statistics, suggesting that the community's tax burden is high, while others claim it is low. The chair reminded attendees that budget-related discussions would be more appropriate during the scheduled budget hearings later in the meeting.
Following this, the board moved to determine any additions or revisions to the agenda. No changes were proposed, leading to the approval of the consent agenda. A significant item on the agenda involved a public works project funded by a grant, which was noted to be under budget compared to the engineer's estimate. The board acknowledged the efforts of the public works director in securing these grants, which helped mitigate potential tax increases for residents.
The commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included a contract for the design of a new EMS station. The board highlighted the importance of local contractors and the successful bids that came in below estimates.
The meeting then transitioned to the revenue neutral rate and budget hearing for the 2026 budget. The chair opened the floor for public discussion, emphasizing the importance of keeping comments concise to allow for broader participation. One resident, Mike Clear, raised concerns about the significant increase in property taxes, particularly affecting agricultural land, which he noted had nearly doubled.
The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between the commissioners and the community regarding budgetary concerns and property taxes, setting the stage for further discussions in the upcoming budget hearings. The board's commitment to transparency and public engagement was evident as they navigated these critical issues.