Reno County automotive division starts internship with Hutchinson Community College, director reports cost trends

Ron Brubaker, Reno County's automotive director, briefed the commission on a new internship program and on departmental vehicle maintenance costs.

Brubaker said the internship began after a young person inquired about work and that staff and human resources developed a placement combining on-the-job training with Hutchinson Community College (HCC). He said the intern, who has completed one year of a vocational program, has learned more in the county shop than in classroom instruction and that the county plans to continue partnering with local dealerships and HCC to place interns.

Brubaker provided three to four years of cost analysis by department showing rising fuel and maintenance costs, particularly for the sheriff's fleet, where maintenance rose roughly $10,000 over a four-year period. He said parts availability is an emerging problem even for warranty work, with waits of a week or two for some parts. Brubaker also described vehicle-transfer practices across departments to extend service life.

Commissioners and staff praised the internship as a workforce pipeline. No action was required; Brubaker presented the report for information and said staff would continue to monitor costs and placements with local training programs.