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Council approves Salt City Splash operating agreement with HutchRec; subsidy language narrowed
Summary
Council approved a new operating agreement with HutchRec for Salt City Splash that clarifies roles, moves staffing removal decisions to HutchRec, retains council authority over admission fees, and removes an open-ended city subsidy while allowing a limited subsidy subject to council approval.
The Hutchinson City Council approved a revised operating agreement with HutchRec to operate Salt City Splash at Cary Park.
Justin Combs, director of Parks and Facilities, summarized the changes: clarified roles and responsibilities, revised employment‑removal language so HutchRec (not the city) now handles removing staff who act contrary to the city's interests, required HutchRec to provide records to the city prior to release to third parties, and provided that admission and pass fees will be set by council. The long‑standing operating subsidy language was removed; staff inserted a limited subsidy clause that allows the council to consider a fiscal subsidy tied to admission or pass fees if needed to preserve accessibility.
Council discussed the subsidy language and noted the HutchRec foundation offered to cover operating losses that previously might have triggered the city subsidy. One councilor called that a "major victory" for taxpayers.
A motion to approve the agreement and authorize the mayor to sign was moved and seconded and passed on roll call. There was no public comment on the item.
Next steps: the agreement will be executed and staff will monitor reporting requirements the contract requires for annual and year‑to‑date financials.
