Hays City Commission Summary
Week of June 26, 2026
Commission approves general obligation bonds for the Tallgrass development's fourth phase
Public hearing set for Lincoln School housing conversion
New police station construction moves to exterior finishes
New pedestrian crossing installed near O'Loughlin Elementary
Local scooter safety efforts yielding visible results
City renews property and liability insurance with current pool
Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes new leadership
Officials seek volunteers to sustain Wild West Festival
City to reach out to local business over water conservation
Commission approves general obligation bonds for the Tallgrass development's fourth phase
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the city to issue $6 million in general obligation bonds to finance public infrastructure for the Tallgrass Phase 4 Reinvestment Housing Incentive District. The bond issue will concurrently roll over temporary notes previously issued for Exit 161 infrastructure into permanent financing. Finance Director Kim Rupp noted that while the initial sizing for the bond is $6 million, a pending $2.8 million economic grant secured by Grow Hays is expected to significantly lower the final amount before the bonds are sold in late August.
Public hearing set for Lincoln School housing conversion
HAYS, Kan. — The city commission took the next step in establishing a pay-as-you-go Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the former Lincoln Elementary School by setting a public hearing for early August. Local developer Michael Graham, who purchased the 100-year-old building following its closure, plans to convert the historic school into 26 apartments and construct seven fourplexes on the surrounding property. The RHID will capture incremental property tax revenue over 25 years to reimburse an estimated $1 million of the project's $4.3 million in eligible development costs, representing a major infill housing effort praised by multiple commissioners.
New police station construction moves to exterior finishes
HAYS, Kan. — Work on the new Hays Police Department station is making excellent progress, with the facility rapidly taking shape. According to the progress report, exterior windows and doors are currently being installed by contractors, and final preparations for the building's exterior signage are underway. Inside the facility, downstairs bathrooms are taking shape and essential cabinetry is being installed, keeping the highly anticipated public safety project on track.
New pedestrian crossing installed near O'Loughlin Elementary
HAYS, Kan. — City service crews have installed a new rectangular rapid flash beacon pedestrian crossing system on Hall Street adjacent to O'Loughlin Elementary School. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser announced the upgrade during his progress report, noting the flashing lights will significantly enhance safety for pedestrians navigating the existing crosswalk. The infrastructure addition was specifically highlighted by the commission, with members thanking staff and noting that the safety upgrade has been needed at that location for some time.
Local scooter safety efforts yielding visible results
HAYS, Kan. — Recent public discussions surrounding electric scooter regulations in Hays appear to be having a positive impact on rider safety. Commissioners reported a noticeable increase in local children wearing helmets while riding scooters around town. During the meeting, it was shared that recent community feedback has been overwhelmingly in favor of improving safety measures, with approximately 90 percent of responding residents supporting city efforts to address the issue and protect youth riders.
City renews property and liability insurance with current pool
HAYS, Kan. — Commissioners voted 5-0 to renew the city's property and liability insurance coverage for $569,891 with its current pool provider, Midwest Public Risk, keeping its $50,000 deductible per event. Finance Director Kim Rupp explained that staff sought competitive bids this year and received a quote from Travelers Insurance that featured a slightly lower premium but included a 3 percent wind and hail deductible per building. Using a recent $345,000 hail damage claim at the airport as an example, Rupp demonstrated that the percentage-based deductible would expose the city to significantly higher out-of-pocket costs following severe weather, making the current pool the more fiscally responsible choice.
Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes new leadership
HAYS, Kan. — The city commission formally bid farewell to Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Melissa Dixon and welcomed her successor, Michelle "Nikki" Brown. Following a two-week transition and training period, Dixon is stepping down after years of dedicated service promoting the city and local events. Commissioners universally praised Dixon for her extensive contributions to the community and local business growth, while expressing excitement for Brown to take the helm of the organization.
Officials seek volunteers to sustain Wild West Festival
HAYS, Kan. — With the annual Wild West Festival rapidly approaching over the Fourth of July weekend, city officials and event organizers are issuing an urgent call for volunteers to assist with setup, operations and teardown. Commissioners noted that several long-serving festival committee members may be stepping down after this year, making new community involvement crucial to keeping the annual tradition alive. Residents were also reminded to be considerate neighbors by cleaning up their personal fireworks debris and being mindful of veterans who may struggle with the noise.
City to reach out to local business over water conservation
HAYS, Kan. — Following a recent heavy rainstorm that dropped 4 inches of water on the city, commissioners requested staff intervene regarding a local restaurant that was seen running its sprinkler system heavily the following day. Recognizing that businesses often leave automated sprinkler systems running inadvertently, city staff will contact the property owners to discuss water conservation. The city plans to offer information on existing municipal incentives that help businesses install rain sensors to prevent unnecessary watering.
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