Hays City Commission Summary
Week of February 27, 2026
City sets public hearings for multi-million dollar truck stop incentives
Technical college announces expansion into downtown facility
Student-built duplex slated for May public auction
Water conservation specialist warns of impending drought
Hays recycling program recognized for record-low contamination
Hays prepares for $1.2 million economic boost from state wrestling
City sets public hearings for multi-million dollar truck stop incentives
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission approved resolutions to set an April 9 public hearing regarding tax increment financing (TIF) and a community improvement district (CID) for a proposed travel plaza at Interstate 70 Exit 157. The $11.1 million project, developed by Triplett, Inc., will feature a 9,000-square-foot convenience store, fuel and electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant and RV campsites. The proposed incentives include a 20-year pay-as-you-go TIF to capture an estimated $4.5 million in property taxes for infrastructure and a 22-year, 2 percent CID sales tax expected to generate $2 million for eligible project costs.
Technical college announces expansion into downtown facility
HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays Tech North Central President Eric Burks presented the college's annual report, highlighting the relocation of several academic programs to the Big Creek Technical Training Center downtown. The nearly 30,000-square-foot building will soon house the business management, culinary arts and telecommunications programs, bringing a new wave of students and staff to the downtown corridor. Burks also outlined planned renovations for the facility to accommodate the programs, including expanded restrooms, modernized classrooms and a functional commercial kitchen space.
Student-built duplex slated for May public auction
HAYS, Kan. — A residential duplex built by construction students at Fort Hays Tech North Central will be sold at a public auction at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, on the Hays campus. College President Eric Burks explained that the project was funded in part by a $492,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. To meet the specific structural requirements of the grant, the college temporarily shifted away from building its traditional single-family homes, and officials are eager to see how the local housing market responds to the duplex property.
Water conservation specialist warns of impending drought
HAYS, Kan. — Despite an above-average precipitation year in 2025, water conservation specialist Holly Dickman warned Hays city commissioners that drought development is highly likely for the region in 2026. Dickman's annual water conservation report noted steady community participation in city rebate programs, with 181 low-flow toilets and 90 high-efficiency washing machines replaced last year. The city plans to continue its educational outreach to mitigate water loss as dry conditions approach.
Hays recycling program recognized for record-low contamination
HAYS, Kan. — Hays solid waste employees received national recognition after recording exceptionally clean recycling output. During a random inspection at a Pratt Industries paper mill in Henderson, Kentucky, a 1,300-pound bale of recycled paper from Hays, brokered through International Paper of Wichita, contained less than one pound of prohibited materials, such as plastics or Styrofoam. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser praised both city staff and local residents for their diligent sorting efforts, noting it was the cleanest bale the mill had ever processed.
Hays prepares for $1.2 million economic boost from state wrestling
HAYS, Kan. — Local officials are preparing for a massive influx of visitors as the Kansas State High School Activities Association 3A, 2A and 1A State Wrestling Tournament arrives at Gross Memorial Coliseum at Fort Hays State University. Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Melissa Dixon urged residents to show patience and grace to local service industry workers navigating the crowds. Last year, the tournament generated an estimated $1.2 million in economic impact for the city, flooding local hotels, restaurants and retail stores.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
