Hays City Commission Summary
Week of July 24, 2026
City commission approves industrial revenue bonds for Chick-fil-A project
Commission unanimously approves Exit 161 final plat
Hays reports $4 million revenue increase in June
R9 water pipeline project advances with $120 million price tag
City awaits Supreme Court ruling on R9 water rights
Ecological restoration shows success at R9 Ranch
New police station remains on schedule for fall completion
Northside multi-path pedestrian bridge set for placement
Busy August slated for downtown Hays tourism and events
City commission approves industrial revenue bonds for Chick-fil-A project
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant at 3404 Vine St. The incentive utilizes a sales tax exemption on construction materials but involves no property tax abatement, ensuring taxpayers are not responsible for repayment or burdened by the bonds. With construction rapidly progressing, Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman said the fast-food chain is slated to open this fall. Commissioners briefly discussed potential traffic congestion upon opening, noting the police department will monitor the site's traffic flow during the grand opening.
Commission unanimously approves Exit 161 final plat
HAYS, Kan. — The city commission voted 5-0 to approve the final plat for 161 First Addition, a commercial development located north of Interstate 70 and east of Commerce Parkway. The plat outlines 13 lots ranging from 1.2 to 9.7 acres, with street and utility installation currently underway and expected to be completed by late fall. City officials expressed optimism that the newly platted land will soon attract commercial development through marketing efforts led by Grow Hays.
Hays reports $4 million revenue increase in June
HAYS, Kan. — Director of Finance Kim Rupp reported a strong financial showing for the month of June, with city revenues totaling more than $14.2 million, a $4 million increase compared to the same period last year. The surge was largely driven by an economic development grant from Grow Hays for the Exit 161 project and the timing of local sales tax receipts from the state. Year-to-date general fund sales tax collections are up 7 percent, indicating a healthy local economy. The city commission voted 5-0 to approve the financial report.
R9 water pipeline project advances with $120 million price tag
HAYS, Kan. — R9 Project Manager John Braun presented an update on the R9 water supply project, detailing a $120 million estimated cost for the 70-mile raw water transmission line and wellfield infrastructure. The city has successfully secured easements and paid compensation for 117 of the 130 tracts along the pipeline's route. To fund the massive infrastructure initiative, Hays is pursuing multiple avenues, including an $11 million Environmental Protection Agency grant, a $50 million federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant, a federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan and $15 million in matching funds recently approved by the Build Kansas Fund.
City awaits Supreme Court ruling on R9 water rights
HAYS, Kan. — City Manager Toby Dougherty provided a legal update on the ongoing battles over the R9 water rights transfer. Hays is currently waiting for the Kansas Supreme Court to issue a ruling on the original challenge to the conversion of the water rights, a decision that Dougherty noted could come on any Friday morning. Additionally, the city is awaiting a judge's ruling on a motion for judgment regarding a lawsuit filed against Edwards County over zoning practices the city contends are unlawful, utilizing House Bill 2043 as the legal basis for the city's motion.
Ecological restoration shows success at R9 Ranch
HAYS, Kan. — R9 Property Manager Chris Smith updated the city commission on extensive ecological restoration efforts at the ranch, noting that 235 acres of native grass were planted in June following timely rains. Herbicide treatments on 745 acres successfully eliminated invasive weeds, allowing native grasses to naturally reproduce. Crews also removed over 200 invasive honey locust trees and continued combating Johnson grass. Additionally, Smith noted that a rare roadrunner was recently spotted on the property's new security cameras.
New police station remains on schedule for fall completion
HAYS, Kan. — Construction on the new Hays Police Department station continues to progress, with an expected completion date around mid-October. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser reported that information technology infrastructure is currently being installed, with data cables terminated and network equipment set for installation within the next two weeks. Underground utilities and structural footers are also underway for the associated storage facility located behind Fire Station 3.
Northside multi-path pedestrian bridge set for placement
HAYS, Kan. — Progress continues on the North Side Multi-Use Path, a key pedestrian infrastructure project for the city. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser announced that work on the Vine Street crossover started this week, with the project's pedestrian bridge scheduled for placement next Friday. The pathway aims to increase pedestrian safety and connectivity across one of the city's busiest commercial thoroughfares.
Busy August slated for downtown Hays tourism and events
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau outlined a packed schedule of community events closing out the summer, highlighting strong local tourism efforts. Key upcoming events include the 56th Annual Convention of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, the Hays Duck Derby and the March to Main welcoming local college and technical students back to the downtown pavilion. The community is also preparing for a busy weekend featuring the famous Big Boy steam locomotive and the Bazaar on the Bricks downtown market.
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