Hays City Commission Summary
Week of July 10, 2026
Commission awards contract for 2026 sewer repairs
Favorable bids yield $95,000 savings on sewer project
Commission authorizes bond sale for two major development projects
Budget pressures and taxes discussed ahead of final approvals
Fireworks traditions defended following complaints
Mayoral recommendation received for tourism committee appointment
Commission awards contract for 2026 sewer repairs
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission unanimously approved a $254,640 contract with Mayer Specialty Services for the 2026 sanitary sewer point repairs and lining project. The project will address aging infrastructure at multiple locations in the city, generally between Hall and Vine streets and from 33rd Street south to Fort Street. Work is scheduled to begin Sept. 1 and conclude by Dec. 31, allowing the city to install 1,943 linear feet of trenchless sanitary sewer lining and complete 55 internal point repairs without shutting down resident services.
Favorable bids yield $95,000 savings on sewer project
HAYS, Kan. — Favorable contractor pricing allowed the city of Hays to expand its 2026 sanitary sewer repair project while still coming in $95,360 under its $350,000 budget. Director of Water Resources Jeff Crispin noted the savings were primarily due to lower-than-anticipated costs for the liner material proposed by the lowest bidder. Those savings allowed the city to authorize 35 additional patch repairs beyond the initial project scope, which officials said will help the city stay ahead of future infrastructure failures and rising costs.
Commission authorizes bond sale for two major development projects
HAYS, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds and/or temporary notes to finance infrastructure for two ongoing developments. Finance Director Kim Rupp said the upcoming bond issue will fund infrastructure for Tallgrass Phase 4, which is supported by a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, as well as the city's portion of the Exit 161 project. Rupp said the sale resolution authorized up to $4 million, while final sizing is expected to come back before commissioners in August. The city will solicit bids for the securities and present them for final approval at that time.
Budget pressures and taxes discussed ahead of final approvals
HAYS, Kan. — With municipal budget season underway, discussions during the commission inquiries portion of the meeting centered on finding ways to reduce spending and lower taxes for Hays residents. The public's desire for meaningful tax relief was highlighted alongside budget pressures ahead of final budget approvals later this year.
Fireworks traditions defended following complaints
HAYS, Kan. — In response to public concerns about fireworks debris and noise, the city's current approach was maintained while residents were urged to be considerate neighbors. Residents were reminded to clean up fireworks debris and balance holiday celebrations with courtesy toward others in the community.
Mayoral recommendation received for tourism committee appointment
HAYS, Kan. — A recommendation from Mayor Mason Ruder was received to appoint Daisy Barger of Best Western Plus Butterfield Inn to the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee. Barger was proposed to fill an open hotel representative position, with the appointment scheduled to be presented for approval at the July 23 commission meeting. Her application said she previously served on the Junction City Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board and Junction City Chamber of Commerce.
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