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Hesston council adopts Wheatland Square housing incentive district, approves county economic development funding and city contracts
Summary
On June 8 the Hesston City Council approved Ordinance No. 010-2026-237 creating the Wheatland Square Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, confirmed a county economic development board appointment, approved a $37,800 HCEDC contribution and signed annual service agreements for animal control and crossing guards.
The Hesston City Council on June 8 adopted Ordinance No. 010-2026-237 to establish the Wheatland Square Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and approved a package of budget and service items, all by unanimous 5-0 votes.
Mayor Susan Swartzendruber opened a public hearing at 6:05 p.m. on the proposed reinvestment district. Gregory Vahrenberg of Raymond James presented a draft financing analysis and answered council questions; the hearing closed at 6:27 p.m. Following the hearing, Council Member Michael Wallace moved to adopt Ordinance No. 010-2026-237, which the council approved 5-0. The ordinance establishes the Wheatland Square Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and approves the development plan presented to the council.
The council also confirmed Derrick Klassen as the city’s representative to the Harvey County Economic Development Board for a two-year term beginning June 2026. Taylor Redding moved the confirmation and Brad Unruh seconded; the motion carried 5-0.
Beth Shelton, executive director of the Harvey County Economic Development Council, presented the HCEDC’s 2027 budget request. The council approved a funding request of $37,800 after a motion by Brad Unruh and a second from Michael Wallace; the vote was 5-0.
Police Chief Chris Eilert presented two annual service agreements. The council approved an animal control kennel and city tag services agreement with the Hesston Veterinary Clinic for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 in the amount of $3,600, on a motion by Larry Fuqua. The council also approved an agreement with Hesston Area Seniors, Inc., for volunteer crossing guard services at three intersections for the term July 15, 2026–June 30, 2027 at $2,000 per intersection; Brad Unruh moved approval and Kevin Logan seconded. Both motions passed 5-0.
Council set a 2027 budget work session for 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026 to continue budget planning. The meeting record shows the council entered several executive sessions during the evening — two for non-elected personnel under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) and one for attorney-client privilege under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). Each regular session resumed with no binding action recorded.
The meeting concluded with an adjournment at 7:20 p.m. following a motion by Brad Unruh, seconded by Taylor Redding, which carried 5-0.
