HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission approved allowing Rcat to sell two old buses as surplus on Purple Wave. Rcat has two new buses in service that replaced the older, high-mileage vehicles.

Commissioners also discussed adopting a policy and procedure for the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds. Two commissioners wanted changes. Commissioner Bob Bush wanted the word “new” taken out in reference to the number of hires required before the county would issue any industrial revenue bonds. Commission Chairman Ron Hirst wanted the number lowered from 10 to maybe six or seven. Both agreed this would give the commission time to consider proposals.

The county rarely issues industrial revenue bonds because most of the requests come within the city of Hutchinson, South Hutchinson or another city in the county.

No decision was made on this policy, but it should come before the commission again next week.

The Commission also approved a property agreement and acceptance of Homeland Security grant equipment. This is basically an agreement for the Bearcat armored vehicle the county recently took into possession. The agreement came after the county took possession of the property.

The value of the vehicle comes to over $282,000, with $38,000 coming from asset forfeitures from money and other items seized by local law enforcement from drug dealers.

It was noted that insurance on the vehicle, which the county will be responsible for, comes to around $9,600 per year. Commissioner Dan Deming noted that’s a good price if the vehicle saves lives of residents or law enforcement.