> ## 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-23/ - Published: 2026-10-02T12:37:10.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-02T12:37:10.000Z - Description: Week of October 2, 2026 - Author: Greg Loving - Tags: Hays, #summary # Grow Hays executive director announces retirement # Commission considers purchase option for affordable housing proposal # City leaders pledge support to keep Sternberg Museum open # Police report safety concerns over e-scooters # Task force recommends stopgap funding to save public transit --- ### Grow Hays executive director announces retirement HAYS, Kan. — Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams announced his retirement during Thursday's city commission work session, effective Dec. 31\. Williams has led the economic development organization for eight years, guiding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and championing multiple retail and housing developments. Commissioners praised Williams for his leadership and collaborative approach, crediting him with making Hays a model for other communities. --- ### Commission considers purchase option for affordable housing proposal HAYS, Kan. — The city commission reviewed a 15-month exclusive option agreement with Epworth Village Inc. for city-owned property near 26th and Main streets to develop higher-density, affordable family housing. Epworth Village representative Greg Daughhetee proposed a two-story facility with roughly 24 to 26 units, targeting rents between $700 and $900 a month for families earning 50 percent to 60 percent of the median income. The option agreement would grant Epworth exclusive development rights through December 2027 to secure state or private funding, at which point the city would officially donate the land for the project. --- ### City leaders pledge support to keep Sternberg Museum open HAYS, Kan. — Following an announcement from Fort Hays State University that the Sternberg Museum of Natural History will close its public-facing operations in mid-December due to state budget cuts, city commissioners vowed to explore all options to save the facility. Citing the museum as a major economic draw that helps keep local property taxes down, officials announced that Mayor Mason Ruder and the commission have already scheduled meetings with university leaders to discuss alternatives. Commissioners urged the community to trust the collaborative process, expressing optimism that a viable solution will be found to preserve the historic institution. --- ### Police report safety concerns over e-scooters HAYS, Kan. — The Hays Police Department provided an update to City Commissioner Sandy Jacobs indicating a growing number of safety concerns and informal reports of close calls involving electric scooters. While e-scooter crashes involving motor vehicles have not officially increased in the city's collision data, police and city officials have noted a rise in reckless riding behaviors on local streets and sidewalks. Jacobs praised a recent community event that distributed 100 helmets to children, emphasizing that parental oversight and rider education remain the keys to keeping young residents safe. --- ### Task force recommends stopgap funding to save public transit HAYS, Kan. — A joint city and county task force has proposed stopgap funding to maintain services provided by ACCESS Public Transportation. The service requires an emergency injection of funds to cover an estimated $90,000 annual deficit for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 while officials negotiate a permanent solution. The plan calls for both the city of Hays and Ellis County to contribute $22,500 annually for the two fiscal years, with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) covering the remaining half of the shortfall. To expedite the process, City Manager Toby Dougherty will utilize his spending authority to allocate the city's $22,500 portion directly from reserve funds, bypassing the need for a separate commission vote. --- --- 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)