HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission met Tuesday and discussed a petition submitted by area residents in the 7300 block of Zolman Road. Commissioners questioned whether a county nuisance code is needed, or even desirable, to correct such conditions throughout the county.

Commissioner Dan Deming wants some type of code possibly concerning only residential properties. However, the other two commissioners seemed more reluctant. Commissioner Bob Bush said he hasn’t heard from anyone else in the county saying this is an issue anywhere else. He wants anyone in the county that may have a similar issue to contact the commission.

Deming accused the other two commissioners of making this too complicated:

 

Commissioner Bush talked about the type of properties the county should look at before making a decision on any policy. He accused Deming of making it too simple:

 

Another issue is enforcement. There was some talk of starting a county court, where a person could be brought before a judge.

Residents in that neighborhood east of the city apparently are concerned over this property and what it could do to property values. One resident asked the commission, “Would you want to have a property like this where you live?”

They’re also concerned about the look of the neighborhood since this home is in bad condition. Trash, debris, and abandoned cars litter the property. Tall weeds nearly hide the home.

No decision was made on the issue. Commissioners Bob Bush and Ron Hirst want to wait a couple of weeks to see if there is any response from others in the county.