> ## 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-22/ - Published: 2026-09-25T11:10:02.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-25T11:10:02.000Z - Description: Week of September 25, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: hays, #summary, dnn # New police station nears completion # Fort Hays State University faces $2.4 million budget cut # FHSU announces 12 percent tuition increase over two years # Residents urge city, university to save Sternberg Museum # City celebrates passage of R9 Ranch water legislation # City manager blasts opponents over R9 Ranch water dispute # Task force recommends separating ACCESS Public Transportation from DSNWK # City commission reviews August financial report --- ### New police station nears completion HAYS, Kan. — Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser reported that construction on the new Hays Police Department station is in its final stages, with the city expected to take formal possession of the facility in early October. The project's punch list is currently being addressed, and city parks staff recently began landscaping the green space around the new building. --- ### Fort Hays State University faces $2.4 million budget cut HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason warned Hays city commissioners of a $2.4 million recurring cut to the university's state general fund beginning in fiscal year 2027\. Mason attributed the shortfall to a legacy funding formula that fails to account for the university's modern growth and efficiency, warning that the university will be forced to reduce some outward-facing community services, potentially including the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, which requires $1.3 million annually and faces $20 million in deferred maintenance. --- ### FHSU announces 12 percent tuition increase over two years HAYS, Kan. — In response to flat state funding and ongoing budget reductions, Fort Hays State University will raise tuition by 12 percent over the next two academic years. President Tisa Mason stated the 6 percent annual increases for the 2026 and 2027 academic years were made in partnership with Student Government Association leaders to close funding gaps responsibly while maintaining the university's status as the most affordable institution in the Kansas Board of Regents system. --- ### Residents urge city, university to save Sternberg Museum HAYS, Kan. — A large crowd packed the Hays City Commission chambers to plead for the preservation of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History amid widespread rumors of its closure due to university budget cuts. Former students, current employees and community members cited the museum's profound educational value, live animal care and world-renowned fossil collections, urging local leaders and Fort Hays State University to find alternative funding solutions to keep the institution open. --- ### City celebrates passage of R9 Ranch water legislation HAYS, Kan. — State Rep. Barb Wasinger presented the commission with a signed copy of House Bill 2433, a critical piece of legislation aiding the city's efforts to secure long-term water from the R9 Ranch. The bill prevents the creation of fragmented local water authorities, which Wasinger and city officials argued would have been used by opponents to obstruct the legal water transfer rights of Hays and Russell. --- ### City manager blasts opponents over R9 Ranch water dispute HAYS, Kan. — City Manager Toby Dougherty criticized the Water Protection Association of Central Kansas (Water PACK) and Edwards County officials for their continued legal opposition to the R9 Ranch water transfer. Dougherty questioned the fairness of opponents demanding Hays and Russell adhere to strict sustainability reductions while Edwards County irrigators face different standards, noting the contrast occurs even as the city of Russell operates under a water warning. --- ### Task force recommends separating ACCESS Public Transportation from DSNWK HAYS, Kan. — Commissioners discussed preliminary findings from a joint city-county task force indicating a need to separate ACCESS Public Transportation from Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Officials warned of a projected budget shortfall for the service in 2027 and requested future joint meetings with the Ellis County Commission to find funding solutions to maintain the vital transportation service for residents. --- ### City commission reviews August financial report HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission unanimously approved the August financial statement in a 5-0 vote, highlighting key data points including a 5.9% growth in sales tax revenues. The financial report also noted recent budget impacts, specifically new bond debt service associated with the Tallgrass Phase 4 Reinvestment Housing Incentive District. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/hays-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? 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