HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The County Commission approved the contract with A&A Builders for the construction of a secure entrance for the Reno County Courthouse. Cost for this item set at $232,900, which is part of the bond issue approved by voters for the new county jail.

Larry Arnold with A&A says we could start to see construction on the new entrance in about two weeks.

But, that wasn’t the big topic of discussion. The commission heard a presentation from the Quest Centers over adding back $5,000 of funding proposed to be cut. That included two local business owners who have been helped through the Quest Center including Scuttlebutts Coffee Shop and Benton’s Greenhouse.

Two of the commissioners were in favor of the $5,000 cut while Commissioner Brad Dillon wanted the full amount given, that being $65,000. He was concerned that the college would have to pick up that amount when he says they’re doing so much already. But, in the end, he went along with the other two and cut funding by $5,000.

The commission also discussed a request from the Reno / Harvey County Joint Fire District @, for the purchase of a new command vehicle at a cost of around $40,000.

This was just a discussion item and commissioners seemed concerned over whether there was a need for a command vehicle. Commissioner Bard Dillon said if they had come to him and asked for a new brush truck and he wanted to keep the old one for a command vehicle, he would approve, but did not see the need for a new truck.

Ultimately, Dillon seemed ready to support the purchase of a new vehicle if that’s the best option, but they want the chief of that district to look at alternative options and a possibly a used vehicle before next weeks commission meeting.