Ellis County Commission Summary
Week of October 7, 2026
Fort Hays State University to close Sternberg Museum public operations amid budget cuts
Fort Hays State University reports record enrollment growth
County braces for 18 percent health insurance premium hike
Commission weighs hiring freeze to offset insurance costs
Commission urges resolution between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Hays Medical Center
County approves $81,400 district courtroom renovation
Bridge inspection costs double under new federal rules
ACCESS Transportation seeks $22,500 to cover funding shortfall
Fort Hays State University to close Sternberg Museum public operations amid budget cuts
HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State University announced the Sternberg Museum of Natural History will end public operations on Dec. 18, 2026. The closure stems from a recurring $2.4 million state budget cut that forces the university to prioritize core academic services over community-facing programs. University President Tisa Mason noted that community partners have expressed a willingness to help, and the FHSU Foundation has launched a fundraising effort with an $855,000 goal in an attempt to build a sustainable vision and potentially reverse the museum's closure.
Fort Hays State University reports record enrollment growth
HAYS, Kan. — Despite financial hurdles, Fort Hays State University saw an enrollment increase of 510 students for the fall 2026 semester, making up roughly 76 percent of the entire Kansas Board of Regents system's growth. University President Tisa Mason reported that on-campus, online and international student enrollments are at their highest levels since 2021. To help close remaining funding gaps, the university partnered with Student Government Association leaders to raise tuition by 12 percent over two academic years, while still maintaining the lowest general use expenditures per credit hour among state universities.
County braces for 18 percent health insurance premium hike
HAYS, Kan. — Ellis County is facing a potential 18.31 percent increase in employee health insurance premiums through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Julie Yarmer of Freedom Claims Management, Inc. told commissioners that by utilizing reserve funds, the county could mitigate the budget impact to an overall 7 percent premium increase for the 2027 budget. Commissioners plan to review alternative, partially self-funded plans and quotes from other carriers before making a final decision ahead of open enrollment next week.
Commission weighs hiring freeze to offset insurance costs
HAYS, Kan. — Faced with rising employee health insurance costs, the Ellis County Commission floated the idea of implementing a temporary hiring freeze. Leaving the county's three to five currently open roles vacant was suggested as a way to absorb the impending financial hit without directly increasing current employees' out-of-pocket premium costs, as those positions are already budgeted for full benefits. County administration indicated that a hiring pause on select non-essential roles could help the county balance its budget for the upcoming year.
Commission urges resolution between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Hays Medical Center
HAYS, Kan. — The Ellis County Commission urged a resolution in ongoing negotiations between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Hays Medical Center to prevent the hospital from becoming an out-of-network provider in 2027. Officials warned that without an agreement, the county's roughly 300 employees could see their maximum out-of-pocket healthcare expenses increase by $2,000 for single plans and $4,000 for family plans. The commission encouraged a swift return to the negotiating table to protect local residents and employees from substantial financial strain.
County approves $81,400 district courtroom renovation
HAYS, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved an $81,400 bid from Paul-Wertenberger Construction to renovate the judge's bench and jury box in the third-floor district courtroom. District Court Administrator Mike Smith said the 1942-era bench currently blocks a handicap ramp and lacks adequate space for modern digital evidence monitors. The upgrades, funded through the district court's capital outlay budget, will occur alongside an ongoing, $104,072 state-funded audio and visual technology upgrade expected to begin early next year.
Bridge inspection costs double under new federal rules
HAYS, Kan. — The cost for routine bridge inspections in Ellis County has doubled from $90 to $180 per structure due to new federal data collection requirements. Public Works Director Brendan Mackay explained that inspectors must now quantify 54 new data points for each bridge under updated safety regulations. The commission unanimously approved the $180-per-structure inspection contract with Penco Engineering, a cost that will be jointly negotiated and shared with the cities of Hays and Ellis.
ACCESS Transportation seeks $22,500 to cover funding shortfall
HAYS, Kan. — ACCESS Transportation is asking Ellis County and the city of Hays to cover a combined $22,500 funding shortfall spread over the 2026 and 2027 budget years. The funding request, which was recently revised due to a calculation discrepancy, is necessary to secure a matching grant commitment letter from the Kansas Department of Transportation. A local task force is currently discussing the future of the transit service, with a formal funding request expected to be presented to the commission later this month.
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