Hays City Commission Summary
Week of May 15, 2026
Sales tax revenues show strong growth in April
Ongoing drought drives spike in water revenue
Phase 2 playground installation scheduled for Sunrise Park
Commission approves incentives for Willow Grove housing project
Wheatland Commons affordable housing development advances
Hays backs multiple Low-Income Housing Tax Credit applications
Engineering contract awarded for three aging streets
City secures major savings on street design contract
22nd Street upgrade to focus on pavement reconstruction
Sales tax revenues show strong growth in April
HAYS, Kan. - The city of Hays saw significant financial growth in April, with general fund sales tax collections reaching $774,461, an 11.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Finance Director Kim Rupp reported the positive figures during Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting, noting that year-to-date general fund sales tax is up 7 percent. Total revenues for the month hit more than $3.6 million, marking a $504,000 year-over-year increase that bolsters the city's financial standing heading into the summer.
Ongoing drought drives spike in water revenue
HAYS, Kan. - Prolonged dry conditions are significantly impacting city utilities, as water revenues jumped 37 percent in April compared to the previous year. According to the monthly financial report presented to the Hays City Commission, the conservation portion of the water revenue alone increased by $46,000. Finance Director Kim Rupp attributed the sharp rise directly to the ongoing drought affecting the region, which has led to increased water consumption among residents.
Phase 2 playground installation scheduled for Sunrise Park
HAYS, Kan. - New modular playground equipment is slated for installation at Sunrise Park later this summer, marking the beginning of the project's second phase. The colorful, piecemeal design includes a zip line, a large slide, a merry-go-round and climbing structures, replacing equipment originally installed more than 20 years ago. Women Who Lead, a local nonprofit organization spearheading the upgrades, noted that the Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation provided a $50,000 matching grant to help fund the new playground, with a formal ribbon-cutting planned for this fall.
Commission approves incentives for Willow Grove housing project
HAYS, Kan. - The Hays City Commission unanimously approved a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the proposed Willow Grove affordable housing project. Developed by Zimmerman Properties LLC, the 48-unit complex is planned for 400 W. 48th St. The resolution grants the developer a sales tax exemption on construction materials, a key local incentive intended to strengthen the project's application for state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. City documents say the project is contingent on a successful tax-credit application.
Wheatland Commons affordable housing development advances
HAYS, Kan. - A 36-unit affordable housing project slated for the south side of East 22nd Street, east of Cumberland Drive, is one step closer to reality after the Hays City Commission approved a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds (IRB). The roughly $12.5 million Wheatland Commons project, spearheaded by Old Town Development Inc., will receive a sales tax exemption on construction materials through the IRB structure. Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman emphasized that the bonds do not require a taxpayer commitment and place all payment obligations strictly on the developer.
Hays backs multiple Low-Income Housing Tax Credit applications
HAYS, Kan. - In a concerted bid to address a local housing shortage, the city of Hays is officially supporting multiple developers seeking state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits this year. Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman noted that four developers — Zimmerman Properties, Old Town Development, Overland Property Group and Mesner Development — are currently hoping to build low-income housing in Hays, with three of those projects seeking the state tax credits. The city's approval of industrial revenue bond-related sales tax exemptions gives developers an important boost in the competitive application process and may help determine whether projects ultimately move forward.
Engineering contract awarded for three aging streets
HAYS, Kan. - The Hays City Commission unanimously approved a design contract with Driggs Design Group PA for the reconstruction of three 60- to 65-year-old city streets. The project will overhaul portions of 22nd Street from Vine Street to Canterbury Drive, General Hays Road from Centennial Boulevard to 27th Street and Oak Street from 27th Street to 29th Street. Public Works Director Jesse Rohr said the engineering designs are expected to be completed by the fall of 2026, setting the stage for construction to begin in 2027 and 2028.
City secures major savings on street design contract
HAYS, Kan. - The city of Hays saved more than $60,000 on its latest street reconstruction design contract by capitalizing on a competitive bidding process. The Hays City Commission had budgeted $157,500 in capital reserves for the design of 22nd Street, General Hays Road and Oak Street. However, the approved bid from Driggs Design Group PA came in at just $94,400. Public Works Director Jesse Rohr noted that the firm is highly qualified and has successfully partnered with the city on past projects.
22nd Street upgrade to focus on pavement reconstruction
HAYS, Kan. - Despite recent community concerns over traffic management, the upcoming reconstruction of 22nd Street is set to focus on pavement replacement and related street improvements rather than a broader redesign. Speaking to the Hays City Commission, Public Works Director Jesse Rohr said the work includes replacing concrete pavement and likely performing a mill and overlay on the asphalt portion of 22nd Street, a strategy intended to reduce project costs. The broader design contract also covers selected curb, gutter, sidewalk, curb-ramp, intersection and alley-entrance work.
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