Hays City Commission Summary
Week of August 28, 2026
City pushes state panel for action on water transfer application
In-house runway painting saves airport at least $285,000
Commission approves nearly $6.8 million in bonds and notes for development
City sales tax share rebounds despite overall revenue dip
Parks department receives $43,700 heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrade
Revitalized Sunrise Park celebrated after community collaboration
New Hays police station reaches 90 percent completion
Environmental Protection Agency finds no deficiencies in water reclamation inspection
Northern multi-use pedestrian path nears opening
City pushes state panel for action on water transfer application
HAYS, Kan. — City officials filed a motion Thursday requesting the state transfer panel schedule a final hearing for the city's long-pending water transfer application, which seeks to move water from the R9 Ranch in Edwards County to Hays and Russell. The application was initially approved by Judge Matthew Spurgin 935 days ago in February 2024, but the state panel delayed its final decision pending a separate Kansas Supreme Court ruling on an appeal over the conversion of the water rights from agricultural to municipal use. City staff noted that with two new members appointed to the state transfer panel, Hays is pressing for expedient action to move the critical water project forward.
In-house runway painting saves airport at least $285,000
HAYS, Kan. — The city saved at least $285,000 by utilizing Hays Regional Airport staff to paint the main runway during a recent 21-day closure for construction. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser reported that completing the painting work in-house cost the city about $15,000. If the city had contracted the project out, it would have exceeded $300,000 based on recent pricing estimates for Federal Aviation Administration projects.
Commission approves nearly $6.8 million in bonds and notes for development
HAYS, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved the issuance of nearly $6.8 million in general obligation bonds and temporary notes to finance infrastructure projects at Interstate 70 Exit 161 and the Tallgrass Phase 4 Reinvestment Housing Incentive District development. The $1.19 million bond issue for Exit 161 was awarded to Commerce Bank at a 3.84 percent interest rate, while the $5.6 million in temporary notes for Tallgrass was awarded to Hilltop Securities at 4.51 percent. Prior to the sale, Standard & Poor's, the credit rating agency, reaffirmed the city's strong AA credit rating, citing Hays' balanced operating results, substantial fund balances and manageable debt profile.
City sales tax share rebounds despite overall revenue dip
HAYS, Kan. — The city's share of Ellis County sales tax collections rebounded with an 11 percent increase for the month of July, bringing year-to-date collections up 6 percent, according to Director of Finance Kim Rupp. While the sales tax numbers showed positive growth despite high summer fuel prices, overall city revenues for July decreased by $809,000 compared to the previous year. Rupp attributed the city's revenue drop largely to a decrease in interest income from maturing certificates of deposit and the cessation of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Parks department receives $43,700 heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrade
HAYS, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a $43,700 bid from Werth Heating, Plumbing & AC to upgrade the Parks Department's aging heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Originally, the city planned a massive overhaul encompassing the Parks Department, Public Works and City Hall. However, staff opted to scale back the project due to project management capacity limits and the discovery of recurring roof leaks at City Hall. The remaining $1.5 million in capital reserves will be held for the larger facility upgrades, which are now anticipated to take place alongside a roof replacement in 2027.
Revitalized Sunrise Park celebrated after community collaboration
HAYS, Kan. — Commissioners celebrated the completion and ribbon cutting of the Sunrise Park splash pad and playground, heavily praising the local philanthropic group Women Who Lead for funding and driving the project. The upgrades revitalize a park that had deteriorated over the years, with commissioners noting the successful collaboration between the donors and the city's Parks Department to safely and strategically install the new equipment without removing any existing trees.
New Hays police station reaches 90 percent completion
HAYS, Kan. — Construction on the new Hays Police Department station is approximately 90 percent complete, with the facility rapidly taking shape. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser reported that flooring has been installed on the lower level and is currently being placed in the main level hallways and offices. Countertops and final finishes are also being installed throughout the building, and commissioners are scheduled to tour the nearly finished facility next week.
Environmental Protection Agency finds no deficiencies in water reclamation inspection
HAYS, Kan. — The Environmental Protection Agency found no deficiencies during a thorough three-day inspection of the city's water collection systems earlier this month. EPA inspectors toured the Water Reclamation and Reuse Facility, lift stations and various sewer manholes throughout Hays from Aug. 10 to Aug. 12, ultimately returning a flawless report for the city's Water Resources Department.
Northern multi-use pedestrian path nears opening
HAYS, Kan. — The new North Side Multi-Use Path in northern Hays is nearing completion, which will soon offer residents expanded safe walking and biking routes. The concrete pathway and a new pedestrian bridge featuring a vintage rust-colored finish were fully poured by mid-August. Contractors are currently establishing temporary seating and erosion control around the site before its official opening to the public.
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