09/10/26 | Hutchinson, KS, | Budget Study Session

The City of Hutchinson held a budget study session on September 10, 2026, focusing extensively on budget allocations, staffing, and capital improvement projects. Key procurement-related discussions included the decision not to take over fuel operations at the municipal airport, resulting in a net budget adjustment, and plans to hire a vacant maintenance position to improve airport operations. The council debated salary raise structures, considering a 2% cost of living adjustment with varying merit raises to balance competitiveness and budget constraints. They also discussed the potential removal of the assistant city attorney position, proposing to contract out some legal services to save approximately $83,000. The use of stormwater funds was reviewed, with suggestions to redirect nearly $1 million to support golf, street, and park operations, and to increase pavement marking funding by $100,000 to improve street safety and maintenance. The council considered restoring two construction technician positions and adding project managers to reduce reliance on contractors and improve project management efficiency. Capital improvement projects discussed included deferring the $260,000 bike park expansion to 2028, partially funding the $660,000 golf course master plan to avoid further delays, and supporting a $14 million Cary Park water reuse project contingent on grant funding. The council showed consensus on these budget directions, aiming to maintain a flat mill levy while increasing the general fund balance by approximately $1.2 million.