HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners took 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.

One of the major changes to the program would be an increase in the minimum wages that must be met by a company to get incentives. Currently, the incentive is $500 per employee if they make at least $12 per hour. The incentive increases by $500 if the wage jumps to at least $15 per hour and another $500 if the wage is above $18 per hour. Under the new proposal, the minimum wages would increase by $3 across the board.

One other change that got a lot of attention is the elimination of incentives and bonuses as part of that wage scale. Chamber President Jason Ball, as well as county commissioner candidates Bob Bush and Ron Hirst, were all in agreement that such a change would surely limit the type of businesses that would consider Hutchinson since most sales or marketing type companies pay on incentives and commission.

Ball also indicated that while the $3 dollar increase in the wage scale is not a significant hurdle, it could make it more difficult to attract some businesses to the area. Commissioner Brad Dillon indicated that with the future tax limitations being placed on counties, the incentive programs must not just attract jobs, but have to benefit the county as a whole to increase wages throughout the working sector.

The matter will come up for action in the next few weeks.