> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Hays City Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/hays-city-commission-summary-17/ - Published: 2026-08-21T11:34:40.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-21T11:34:40.000Z - Description: Week of August 21, 2026 - Author: Greg Loving - Tags: hays, #summary # Commission to explore water conservation guardrails # Commission debates social services budget reduction # City prepares to issue bonds for Exit 161 infrastructure # Tallgrass Phase IV to receive $5.6 million in temporary financing # The Grove housing development to host open house # Parks Department HVAC upgrades approved, City Hall delayed # Refurbishment versus replacement debated for city playgrounds # City monitors pedestrian safety at 27th and Donald streets # Officials urge caution for e-bikes and school traffic # City seeks public input on ACCESS Public Transportation --- ### Commission to explore water conservation guardrails HAYS, Kan. — City commissioners agreed to draft a resolution establishing broad guidelines for future industrial water usage in Hays. Commissioner David Vilaysing requested a policy to ensure future commissions do not allow large corporations to strain the city's newly secured R9 water supply. While officials noted the city does not currently attract heavy water-consuming industries, the commission reached a consensus to review a draft resolution that protects the community's water resources without placing overly restrictive ordinances that could discourage economic development. --- ### Commission debates social services budget reduction HAYS, Kan. — During a review of the 2027 budget, commissioners discussed a $5,000 reduction in the funding request submitted by the CARE Council. The decrease occurred after Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas separated its transportation request from the council's broader budget proposal. Although some commissioners expressed a desire to manually restore the $5,000 to assist local nonprofits in need, the commission ultimately decided to honor the lower request to respect the advisory board's financial allocation process. --- ### City prepares to issue bonds for Exit 161 infrastructure HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission reviewed an ordinance to issue Series 2026-A general obligation bonds to finance infrastructure improvements at Exit 161\. Director of Finance Kim Rupp said the 15-year bond issuance will pay off $4.035 million in temporary notes. Factoring in an economic development grant from Grow Hays and budgeted city funds, the final permanent financing is estimated at $1.22 million. Bids for the bonds will be received on Aug. 27, with the city anticipating a 4 percent interest rate based on current municipal market trends. --- ### Tallgrass Phase IV to receive $5.6 million in temporary financing HAYS, Kan. — Commissioners advanced a resolution authorizing the sale of Series 2026-1 general obligation notes to fund infrastructure at the Tallgrass Phase IV rural housing incentive district. The principal amount of approximately $5.6 million will cover both project and issuance costs. The one-year temporary notes will be taxable due to Internal Revenue Service and state regulations, carrying an expected interest rate of 4.5 percent. The city plans to transition the notes into permanent financing in late 2027 once development matures. --- ### The Grove housing development to host open house HAYS, Kan. — The Grove, a new housing development project managed by Grow Hays, will host an open house for a newly staged model home on Sept. 4\. The project, which provides targeted housing options for seniors, is seeing rapid progress with nine lots already sold and eight homes currently under construction. Commissioners praised the development's success and the collaborative community effort, including staging by local partners, that made the model home possible without the city incurring the upfront cost. --- ### Parks Department HVAC upgrades approved, City Hall delayed HAYS, Kan. — The commission awarded a $43,700 bid to Werth Heating, Plumbing and AC for heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades at the Parks Department building. The project was initially part of a larger plan to simultaneously address aging systems at City Hall and the Public Works building. However, Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser recommended delaying the larger projects to 2027 due to limited project management capacity and the need to bundle the City Hall HVAC replacement with a new roof, noting the current roof has suffered seven leaks over the past two years. --- ### Refurbishment versus replacement debated for city playgrounds HAYS, Kan. — The upcoming parks budget includes funding to replace playground equipment at Frontier Park, prompting a debate over whether the city should refurbish old equipment to save money and lower the tax levy. Commissioners discussed the possibility of powder-coating existing structures that still have "good bones." However, Director of Parks Jeff Boyle cautioned against this, noting that older equipment often faces planned obsolescence and a lack of available replacement parts, which can become a liability issue when structures reach the end of their typical 20-year lifespan. --- ### City monitors pedestrian safety at 27th and Donald streets HAYS, Kan. — Following resident concerns, city staff monitored the intersection of 27th and Donald streets near Hickok Park for pedestrian crossing activity. Staff reported seeing no individuals attempting to cross during the multi-week monitoring period. While commissioners noted the lack of crossing infrastructure might be deterring pedestrian use, staff emphasized the need to justify the estimated $15,000 cost of installing a crosswalk before committing funds. The city will continue to monitor the location as nearby trail segments open to the public. --- ### Officials urge caution for e-bikes and school traffic HAYS, Kan. — With local schools back in session, city commissioners urged residents to drive cautiously and warned parents about the dangers of electric bicycles. Officials highlighted recent reports of e-bikes speeding and passing through stop signs around town without yielding. Amid traffic safety reminders, commissioners also praised the newly renovated O'Loughlin Elementary School, which opened its doors for a community open house this week featuring improved traffic flows on 12th Street and the building's first-ever tornado shelter. --- ### City seeks public input on ACCESS Public Transportation HAYS, Kan. — The city is asking residents to provide feedback on the future of public transportation in Hays through a newly released survey. The public transit task force, which includes multiple city commissioners, is evaluating the community's needs regarding the city's transit system. Residents can find the survey on the city's social media pages and the Hays Post to share their thoughts on whether current transit services should be expanded, reduced or modified to better serve the public. --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)