Hays City Commission Summary
Week of August 7, 2026
Commission advances reinvestment district for former Lincoln school
City backs state tax credit application for Lincoln school developer
Benefit district proposed for Tallgrass First Addition Phase 6
Convention and Visitors Bureau revenue directed to park improvements
City finalizes 2027 social services funding allocations
State water office praises Hays' conservation efforts
City officials discuss R9 water project with EPA Region 7 Administrator
Big Boy locomotive stop draws crowds, boosts downtown economy
Commission advances reinvestment district for former Lincoln school
HAYS, Kan. — Plans to convert the former Lincoln Elementary School into rental housing took a step forward Thursday as commissioners reviewed a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the property. Developer Michael Graham plans to repurpose the existing building and construct seven fourplexes on the lot, capturing an estimated $1 million in incremental property tax gains over 25 years to offset $4.3 million in eligible project costs. The IRBs will also provide an estimated $96,000 sales tax exemption on construction materials without affecting the city's debt limit.
City backs state tax credit application for Lincoln school developer
HAYS, Kan. — In a related housing measure, the Hays City Commission agreed to support a resolution for developer Michael Graham as he applies for $840,000 in Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits for the Lincoln Elementary School housing project. Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman explained that the state tax credits would specifically fund the construction of the new fourplexes on the property's eastern open space. The funds would go directly to Michael Graham, and the city would bear no administrative responsibility or funding requirements for the program.
Benefit district proposed for Tallgrass First Addition Phase 6
HAYS, Kan. — Tallgrass First Addition Phase 6 is moving forward following a petition from developer GK Real Estate Development LLC to establish a special benefit district for infrastructure improvements. The district would finance an estimated $1.6 million in street, stormwater, water and sanitary sewer improvements to serve 24 undeveloped lots. Under the city's policy, GK Real Estate Development LLC will pay 30 percent of the costs upfront, with the remaining 70 percent assessed to property owners within the district over a 20-year period.
Convention and Visitors Bureau revenue directed to park improvements
HAYS, Kan. — Stronger-than-expected revenue from the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will be reallocated to fund future park improvements, according to 2027 budget adjustments presented Thursday. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser noted that while hotel occupancy has slightly declined in recent months, room rates have remained flat or increased, resulting in an additional $82,000 in projected CVB revenue. The city plans to transfer these funds into reserves to eventually pay for turf replacement at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.
City finalizes 2027 social services funding allocations
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission reviewed updated social services allocations for the 2027 budget, establishing a maximum expenditure authority of $174,500 for local organizations. The finalized figures include holding funding for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) at 2026 levels while adding a $92,000 funding request from the Care Council. The updated budget also reformatted historical distribution data to distinctly show separate allocations for the Care Council and ACCESS Public Transportation.
State water office praises Hays' conservation efforts
HAYS, Kan. — Hays continues to set the benchmark for water conservation in Kansas, city officials reported following a recent update from the Kansas Water Office. During the meeting's discussion period, officials noted that Kansas Water Office Director Carolynn McGinn highlighted the city's low per-capita water usage and indicated that other Kansas municipalities are actively attempting to replicate Hays' successful conservation strategies.
City officials discuss R9 water project with EPA Region 7 Administrator
HAYS, Kan. — Hays and Russell city leaders recently met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy to discuss the ongoing R9 water transfer project and potential grant funding partnerships. During the meeting, Macy reportedly expressed amazement at Hays' low per-capita daily water usage, praising the city's conservation standards as a model for the Midwest. City officials noted they are still awaiting a Kansas Supreme Court ruling on the long-term water transfer, a precedent-setting decision that has no statutory deadline.
Big Boy locomotive stop draws crowds, boosts downtown economy
HAYS, Kan. — The recent visit of the Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive brought significant crowds and a substantial economic boost to downtown Hays, officials reported Thursday. The historic train drew rail enthusiasts from across the country — including visitors who flew in from Washington, D.C. — packing the downtown area despite extreme heat. Officials praised the event's coordination with the Downtown Hays Market and Bazaar on the Bricks, noting the railway stop served as a major success for community tourism.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
