Commissioners seek to hold mill levy flat for 2027 budget

County explores 2 percent transient guest tax to offset property taxes

Initial 2027 budget excludes additional jail staffing amid safety concerns

Cybersecurity earmarked as priority in upcoming county budget

Outside agency funding to remain flat despite rising mental health needs

Commission sets public hearing for proposed community improvement district in Stonewood Estates North Addition

Emergency communications authorized to hire part-time dispatchers to cut overtime

Health department pursuing $1 million grant for pilot preventative care program

Conservation district secures over $1.4 million in federal funds for local agriculture

Commissioners seek to hold mill levy flat for 2027 budget

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — As the Ellis County Commission began its 2027 budget planning process, a strong directive was issued to department heads to keep operational, commodity and capital expenses flat or reduced. Noting that the county raised the mill levy by a full mill last year to account for potential losses in federal grants, the commission unanimously agreed that it does not want to see a property tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year, though it was acknowledged inflation will make the mandate challenging for departments like Public Works.

County explores 2 percent transient guest tax to offset property taxes

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The commission directed county staff and County Counselor Bill Jeter to draft documents establishing a 2 percent transient guest tax on local hotels. The proposed tax is viewed as a way to generate alternative revenue to fund county programs and community initiatives. By capturing tax dollars from visitors, the hope is to alleviate some of the tax burden on local property owners.

Initial 2027 budget excludes additional jail staffing amid safety concerns

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The initial draft of the 2027 county budget will not include additional detention staff for the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, though the issue remains a priority for future discussion. It was noted Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun is developing a phased funding approach to hire more jail staff, a need reportedly exacerbated by rising inmate populations and the planned relocation of the Hays Police Department, which is currently housed in the same building.

Cybersecurity earmarked as priority in upcoming county budget

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — Protecting sensitive county data from cyber threats will be a major priority in the 2027 budget, the commission agreed Tuesday. Citing the increasing prevalence of online scams and ransomware attacks on municipalities, the necessity of funding robust IT security measures to safeguard protected health information, criminal records and property data was emphasized, acknowledging that the necessary system upgrades will require significant financial investment.

Outside agency funding to remain flat despite rising mental health needs

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — County Administrator Darin Myers will instruct outside agencies, including High Plains Mental Health Center and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Inc., to keep their 2027 funding requests flat. The difficulty of this directive was acknowledged, as mental health service demands continue to rise and directly impact the county jail population, but a need to maintain a strict county budget across the board was cited.

Commission sets public hearing for proposed community improvement district in Stonewood Estates North Addition

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Commission unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to set a public hearing for May 12 regarding a proposed community improvement district for the Stonewood Estates North Addition. The district would fund an estimated $256,276 in road improvements, including a double seal coat in 2027 and a 1-inch asphalt lift in 2032. The improvements will be funded through a special assessment on properties within the developing neighborhood northeast of Hays, and certified letters will be mailed to notify affected landowners of their right to file a protest petition.

Emergency communications authorized to hire part-time dispatchers to cut overtime

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — To alleviate staff burnout and reduce overtime expenses, the commission authorized the Ellis County Emergency Communications Department to hire up to two part-time dispatchers. Director Jeff Ridgway noted that due to current staffing shortages and training requirements, night shift dispatchers are currently working an extra five hours of overtime per pay period. The part-time roles will be filled by trained former employees and will not require additional health benefits, keeping the department within its current budget while maintaining a mandatory two-dispatcher minimum per shift.

Health department pursuing $1 million grant for pilot preventative care program

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Health Department is processing a $1 million state grant that could make the county one of two test pilots in Kansas for a new proactive community health model. While the commission has not yet formally accepted the funds, the grant — managed in partnership with Wichita State University — would potentially add grant-funded positions aimed at preventative care and women's health programs without impacting local property taxes.

Conservation district secures over $1.4 million in federal funds for local agriculture

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service reported bringing more than $1.4 million in federal financial assistance to local producers for the 2025 fiscal year. Ellis County Conservation District Manager Linda O'Neal and District Conservationist Steven Walters highlighted the success of local soil health initiatives, terrace rebuilds and brush management efforts, noting they already have 15 applications lined up for 2027 conservation funding.

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