Ellis County Commission Summary
Week of October 14, 2026
County to sponsor $750,000 grant application for 120-unit apartment complex
Commission weighs $22,500 funding request to save Access Public Transportation
Victoria Community Coalition granted landfill fee waiver for building demolition
County grapples with looming 18 percent health insurance premium increase
Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams announces retirement
Agiliti commits to Hays, announces major workforce expansion
Commercial development progresses with new truck stop and Chick-fil-A
Local fire departments raise over $67,000 during Give Fest
County to sponsor $750,000 grant application for 120-unit apartment complex
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Commission gave initial approval Tuesday to sponsor a $750,000 Moderate Income Housing grant application for a new apartment complex in Hays. The proposed Victory Village development by Omaha, Nebraska-based DP Management, led by President Brian Reilly, would include 120 units configured as eight-plexes, complete with a swimming pool and clubhouse. The developer is seeking the state grant from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to offset development costs and keep market-rate rents attainable for working families. The county will assume responsibility for grant compliance but will use an assumption agreement to financially protect taxpayers. The commission will review final project details on Oct. 20 before the Oct. 23 state submission deadline.
Commission weighs $22,500 funding request to save Access Public Transportation
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The commission is considering a $22,500 funding request to support Access Public Transportation after cuts to state grants created significant budget shortfalls. Jerry Michaud, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas executive director, presented the request on behalf of the ACCESS Transportation Task Force to meet a local support requirement for a fiscal year 2028 grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. DSNWK has already absorbed approximately $97,000 in shortfalls to keep the public transit service running. The Hays City Commission has tentatively agreed to match the funding if the county and DSNWK also commit. The commission noted the county's tight budget constraints but expressed support for the service, planning to make a final decision next week.
Victoria Community Coalition granted landfill fee waiver for building demolition
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a request from Victoria Community Coalition Chairman Jeff Pfeifer to waive landfill fees for demolition materials from the organization's ongoing building renovation. Following the recent state-funded removal of asbestos from the 1963-era portion of the former St. John's Nursing Home, the coalition will dispose of leftover wood and sheetrock while recycling all metal materials. The volunteer-led organization is actively working to transform the property into a community hub that will feature an auto museum, residential apartments and a potential child care facility.
County grapples with looming 18 percent health insurance premium increase
ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Ellis County is facing a potential 18% increase in employee health insurance premiums, presenting a significant hurdle for the upcoming 2027 budget. County Administrator Darin Myers projected the 18% increase and informed the commission that migrating to a self-funded insurance plan is no longer considered a viable option due to the financial liability it would place on the county's reserve funds. The county is currently waiting on a final quote from UnitedHealthcare before deciding how to absorb the increased coverage costs.
Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams announces retirement
HAYS, Kan. — Doug Williams, the longtime executive director of Grow Hays, announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the year. Williams thanked the commission for eight years of support, noting that the local economic development organization would not have accomplished its housing and business initiatives without county backing. The Grow Hays board of directors is currently conducting a search for his replacement and expects to finalize a candidate within the next 30 days.
Agiliti commits to Hays, announces major workforce expansion
HAYS, Kan. — Agiliti will remain in Hays and plans to add 140 new jobs over the next five years, according to an economic development update presented by Grow Hays. The company had previously explored other regional options for expansion but ultimately decided to remodel its southern Hays facility to accommodate new distribution lines. The expansion will boost Agiliti's local workforce to approximately 230 employees, generating an estimated 86 additional support jobs in Ellis County, according to Grow Hays projections.
Commercial development progresses with new truck stop and Chick-fil-A
HAYS, Kan. — Grow Hays provided updates on several local commercial developments, confirming that a 24-7 Travel Store truck stop is officially under construction at Exit 161. Crews have already buried fuel tanks and laid the foundation, with an anticipated opening in early spring 2027. Additionally, the new Hays Chick-fil-A at 3404 Vine St. is slated to open on Oct. 15, bringing about 100 new jobs to the area under the leadership of local owner-operator Brett Pennell. Grow Hays is also currently negotiating with multiple retailers to fill a new commercial center north of Home Depot.
Local fire departments raise over $67,000 during Give Fest
HAYS, Kan. — Local fire departments raised over $67,000 during the recent Heartland Give Fest to support the Company 5 Firefighter Legacy Fund. The funds will help provide vital equipment, training, and operational support for the volunteer firefighters of Ellis County Fire Services Company 5. The Oct. 7 fundraising event featured community donations and matching funds to ensure the department can continue safely responding to emergencies in the region.
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