# 10/20/26 | Hutchinson, KS, | City Council Meeting


**Body:** City Of Hutchinson
**Date:** October 19, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities, Physical Infrastructure


The October 20, 2026, Hutchinson City Council meeting included procurement-policy discussion and updates on major utility and infrastructure needs. The finance director presented proposed purchasing-policy changes for unbudgeted purchases, including a required justification and funding form, city-manager approval for qualifying purchases under $100,000, and council approval when the threshold or general-fund criteria are not met. The proposal also adds quarterly reporting on emergency and sole-source purchases, cooperative purchasing, change orders, purchasing-card exceptions, and vendor spending; it was discussed but no approval vote is evident in the transcript. The council approved a roughly $406,369 repair authorization for Deep Disposal Well No. 1, based on a quote from TAC, with a 10% contingency discussed because the quote was time-limited and material prices could change. The consent agenda was also approved, though its individual items are not identified in the transcript.

HDR presented a planning update on the wastewater treatment facility, comparing a new-plant option with phased improvements; alternatives and recommendations are expected in 2027. The presentation referenced an approximately $18 million headworks project and ongoing rate and capital planning, but no new project award was made. Public Works discussed whether to repair or deactivate the aging Fifth and Poplar traffic signal; repair was estimated at about $300,000, and staff outlined a possible public-notice and monitoring process for removal, with no final vote recorded. The council also reviewed the police department’s existing ALPR program and its approximately $33,000 annual expense, with no plans to add cameras. An executive session was held for legal advice regarding a land-purchase agreement, but no details or resulting action were reported publicly.

**Source:** City Of Hutchinson