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Hutchinson Council OKs non‑annexation MOU to clear way for Evergy plant
Summary
The Hutchinson City Council approved a memorandum among Hutchinson, South Hutchinson and Reno County that prevents annexation of specified land to facilitate construction of a new Evergy power plant; city attorney said near‑term tax revenue is expected to be minimal and the project could attract additional businesses.
Hutchinson — The City Council voted Dec. 2 to approve a non‑annexation memorandum of understanding among the City of Hutchinson, the City of South Hutchinson and Reno County to clear the way for a planned Evergy power plant.
City attorney Paul Brown told the council the agreement simply commits the three jurisdictions not to annex the specified parcel, which he said will help facilitate construction of the new plant. Brown said, “neither city is going to annex,” and added the timing means there likely will be little or no tax revenue from the site for at least 10 years while the plant is new.
Brown described the project as a “tremendous investment” that will bring new jobs and could attract other businesses to the area. Councilmembers asked no substantive follow‑up questions before approving the motion and authorizing the mayor to sign.
The measure was presented as a discrete intergovernmental arrangement; no zoning changes or direct city expenditures were proposed at the meeting. Council members and staff characterized the action as preparatory, intended to reduce legal or jurisdictional uncertainty as the project proceeds.
Next steps, as discussed at the meeting, include finalizing the MOU language, coordinating with South Hutchinson and Reno County, and proceeding with any required permitting or site preparation under separate agenda items or future council consideration.
