HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission approved a couple of requests from the Reno/Harvey County Joint Fire District 2 to purchase a used command vehicle from the Hutchinson Fire Department for $13,000. The Hutchinson Fire Department agreed to leave the lights and radio with the vehicle, saving the district about $3,500. This item was approved quickly.

The other item was also approved, but took a little more explaining. Commissioners agreed to allow the remodeling of the station, which includes adding a second floor over part of the existing structure, in Buhler. The estimated cost will be $320,000.

There were some concerns about financing. The district does not want to use existing capital funds for fear those dollars may be needed for future equipment needs.

County Administrator Gary Meagher suggested the district use bond financing for possibly 15 or 20 years. A 15-year agreement would mean a mill-and-a-half increase. The 20-year plan would be one mill.

The commission approved moving ahead, however, any decision over bond financing and its length will come at a later meeting. The commission will have to approve a resolution for that financing.

The commission also approved a request from Western Resources, Westar Energy and applicant David Blaha of Hayden Tower Services for a conditional use permit to replace an existing 300-foot tall telecommunications tower with a new 300- to 310-foot tall lattice tower on land zoned rural residential at 6000 West 4th, approximately a half-mile west of Whiteside Road.

The original tower was built back in the 1950s before there was any zoning in that area.

The commission also approved a resolution to expand the boundaries of Reno County Water District 101 to include real estate at 9611 South Yoder Road under the ownership of Yoder 5, LLC.

The owner wants to construct a building on the property and tap into public water.