HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners took more time to discuss proposed changes to their economic development policies during Tuesday’s agenda session.

The Board is proposing the changes to keep what they feel is some control over the way tax payer money is spent, and to improve the quality of jobs that are part of the program. The board was in agreement regarding the increase of the minimum wages that must be earned to receive incentives. Currently, that pay scale is $12, $15, and $18 per hour. That would increase by $3 across the board.

The board also discussed narrowing the job incentive and bonus steps from 12 to just three. Under the new proposal suggested by Commissioner James Schlickau, the new formula would provide 10 percent of total incentives for 25-49 jobs; 20 percent for 50-99 jobs and 30 percent of the incentive package for a company bringing in more than 100 jobs. The board feels that the change will make the job incentive package easier to track and give interested companies a more direct offer for incentives.

Commissioner Dan Deming asked that their proposal be sent to the city for its input. Both Commissioner Schlickau and Brad Dillon had no objection to the idea.

The matter will come back for possible action in two weeks.