HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On a split vote, the Hutchinson City Council approved the amendments to the rental inspection program during Tuesday’s agenda session.

The city will now have a licensing fee structure with incentives rather than the current permit fee. The approval came despite the Housing Commission’s recommendation that the changes be denied.

The administration fees for the program are expected to cost the city about $80,000 per year, according to Planning Director Ryan Hvitlok. The passage of the amendment ends what has been a long and often contentious issue between the landlords, the council and the Housing Commission.

Hvitlok says that, while this program may not be the full answer, he feels that the council is wanting to keep the ball moving forward when it comes to better rental housing.

Hvitlok and Housing Director Trent Maxwell say more effort will be put in place to better communicate issues with landlords and to take steps to protect both landlords and tenants in the future. They also want to better communicate any issue that arises with inspections and matters that need to be addressed.

The amendment takes effect Jan. 1.