Ellis County real estate valuations see 3 percent increase

Agricultural land values drop 4 percent across Ellis County

Annual property reinspections set to begin in Hays and Munjor

County finishes 2025 under budget, faces interest revenue drop in 2027

Retail sales tax collections offset potential property tax hike

County to prepare for exceeding revenue neutral rate

Commission approves Big Creek Estates Third Addition final plat

County explores overhaul of local zoning regulations

Local students win 'I Voted' sticker design contest

Ellis County real estate valuations see 3 percent increase

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp reported a 3 percent overall increase in the county's assessed real estate valuations for 2026, bringing the total to nearly $455 million. While vacant land saw a median increase of 10 percent, residential properties increased by 2.1 percent and commercial properties by 1.8 percent. The median appraised value for a single-family home in the county is now $198,770, an increase of roughly $2,800 from the previous year. Rupp reminded residents that the deadline to appeal their property valuations is April 21.

Agricultural land values drop 4 percent across Ellis County

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - Unlike residential and commercial properties, agricultural land values in Ellis County dropped by an average of 4 percent for 2026. Because Kansas appraises agricultural land based on its use value rather than market value, the state determines these figures in coordination with Kansas State University. According to the appraiser's office, native grasses saw a slight 1 percent increase, but a 9 percent drop in cropland values drove the overall agricultural decline.

Annual property reinspections set to begin in Hays and Munjor

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The Ellis County Appraiser's Office will soon begin its state-mandated 17 percent property reinspection cycle, focusing this summer on northwest Hays, the 8th Street commercial corridor, southern rural Hays and the city of Munjor. Appraisers will go door-to-door to verify external property data, though they will not enter any structures unless explicitly invited by the homeowner. Residents in the affected areas have been mailed notification cards requesting interior room counts to ensure accurate tax records.

County finishes 2025 under budget, faces interest revenue drop in 2027

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - County Administrator Darin Myers reported that Ellis County finished the 2025 fiscal year roughly $1.5 million under its $31 million expense budget. While investment interest generated $1.67 million in 2025—well over the projected amount—the administrator warned that dropping interest rates could result in a $400,000 loss in revenue for the upcoming 2027 budget. The Ellis County Commission will hold a special meeting on April 14 to provide staff with initial directives for the 2027 budget process.

Retail sales tax collections offset potential property tax hike

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - Ellis County saw a $60,000 increase in sales tax collections for 2025, bringing the total to $3.36 million, primarily generated by out-of-county shoppers. County Administrator Darin Myers highlighted that this revenue stream prevents a 17 percent increase in local property taxes. Without the county's two quarter-cent sales taxes, the property tax rate would need to increase by approximately six mills to cover the same services.

County to prepare for exceeding revenue neutral rate

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - Anticipating tight legislative deadlines and unknown final public utility valuations, the Ellis County Commission plans to file the necessary paperwork to exceed the state-mandated revenue neutral rate for the 2027 budget. County Administrator Darin Myers advised that filing the intent does not obligate the county to raise taxes. Instead, it provides the commission with the legal flexibility needed to finalize the budget throughout the summer as property values solidify.

Commission approves Big Creek Estates Third Addition final plat

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The Ellis County Commission unanimously approved the final plat application for the Big Creek Estates Third Addition following prior approval from the county planning board. Environmental Services Director Justin Craig confirmed that developers addressed the commission's previous concerns, including property sightlines, water well casing options and consent to proceed with the local sewer district. The approval allows the housing development project to move forward.

County explores overhaul of local zoning regulations

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - Following the complex approval process for recent housing developments, the Ellis County Commission directed staff to explore updating the county's zoning regulations to make the development process clearer and more concise. Environmental Services Director Justin Craig said he has reached out to Marvin Planning Consultants for potential consulting services. The commission and staff plan to compile a prioritized list of regulatory issues to address before securing a formal quote for the overhaul.

Local students win 'I Voted' sticker design contest

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The Ellis County Clerk's Office announced three local student winners for the county's "I Voted" sticker design contest, selected from over 60 submissions across three school districts. The students' artwork will be printed and distributed to residents at polling places during the 2026 primary and general elections.

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