Ellis County Commission Summary
Week of September 9, 2026
County commission approves 2027 budget, exceeds revenue neutral rate
Recent wage study credited for surge in county job applicants
Public Works to purchase upgraded used motor grader
Commission approves major regional fire training facility
New battery-operated rescue tools approved for fire department
County fire department reaches historic volunteer numbers
Additional legal fees approved for Tallgrass Solar Project
County waives landfill fees for 54th annual Oktoberfest
County commission approves 2027 budget, exceeds revenue neutral rate
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Following a public hearing where resident Mike Werth questioned funding for Grow Hays and reductions to the road and bridge department, the Ellis County Commission unanimously approved the 2027 budget and voted to exceed the revenue neutral rate. County Administrator Darin Myers explained that a significant cut to the road and bridge budget is not a reduction in services, but rather an adjustment to align the budget with the department's actual historical spending to avoid overtaxing residents. Grow Hays Associate Director David Clingan also defended the organization's $165,000 allocation, citing recent economic successes, workforce retention and vital local housing initiatives.
Recent wage study credited for surge in county job applicants
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — During the commission report period, officials highlighted the success of a recent county wage study in addressing local workforce shortages. It was noted that open county positions that previously drew only two or three applicants are now receiving dozens of applications. Officials credited the adjusted, competitive pay scale for attracting high-quality candidates to local government roles.
Public Works to purchase upgraded used motor grader
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Public Works Director Brendan Mackay received unanimous approval to purchase a used CAT 150 motor grader that the county has been testing for the past 13 months. The machine, which comes with an extended 8,500-hour warranty, is one size larger than the county's typical graders and includes specialized hydraulics to operate shoulder machines. Mackay noted the purchase will take the place of a planned new purchase, saving the county roughly $50,000 to $60,000.
Commission approves major regional fire training facility
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Western Kansas will soon have a premier fire training center after commissioners unanimously voted to accept a $454,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation and allocate 10 acres of former landfill space at 1515 W. 55th St. The facility will feature a multistory live-fire training tower made of shipping containers, a flashover simulator and a propane vehicle fire prop. The foundation has also offered a $178,000 dollar-for-dollar matching challenge to the fire department — which, if fully matched, would contribute $356,000 — to help fund $810,000 of the estimated $820,000 in total project costs without relying on local tax dollars, leaving a $10,000 funding gap.
New battery-operated rescue tools approved for fire department
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved the purchase of new Amkus battery-operated hydraulic rescue tools for Ellis County Fire Company 6. The equipment replaces older, heavy hose-and-pump hydraulic tools, allowing for a faster and more mobile response during vehicle extrications. The purchase will create a trickle-down effect, moving older but functional cutting tools to reserve engines and brush trucks across the county's 900-square-mile coverage area.
County fire department reaches historic volunteer numbers
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Ellis County is bucking a national trend of declining volunteer firefighters, with officials announcing the imminent onboarding of seven new recruits. This latest recruitment class will bring the county's total volunteer firefighting force to 103 personnel, the highest number in the department's history. The robust numbers are expected to help maintain the county's favorable insurance ratings and reduce the future tax burden that would be required to transition to a full-time, paid force.
Additional legal fees approved for Tallgrass Solar Project
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a $22,923.50 payment to Foulston Siefkin LLP for legal consultations regarding the Tallgrass Solar Project. While the initial $200,000 in legal and consulting fees was covered by an escrow account funded by the solar developer, ibV Energy Partners, this remaining balance will be paid out of the county's contingency fund. Officials noted that $5,000 remains in the developer's escrow account to cover upcoming consulting work on road use and decommissioning agreements.
County waives landfill fees for 54th annual Oktoberfest
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Organizers for the 54th annual Oktoberfest received a consensus from the commission to waive landfill dump fees for the two-day event. Oktoberfest director Emily Knowles noted the festival draws over 17,000 people to Hays, with roughly 45 percent traveling from out of town. The waiver is an annual in-kind contribution from the county to support the significant economic boost the festival brings to the community.
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