Hays City Commission Summary
Week of June 12, 2026
Commission approves $850,000 for police station furnishings
New police station crosses midway point of construction
General fund sales tax collections continue to climb
Commissioners cite budget concerns over public transit request
Unsafe electric scooter riders spark safety warnings
Police address difficulty enforcing scooter rules
Commission addresses confusion over retail development
Big-box retailer challenges explained to community
Summer baseball season kicks off in Hays
Commission approves $850,000 for police station furnishings
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission unanimously approved an expenditure not to exceed $850,000 for fixtures, furnishings and equipment at the new police station. The purchase, which will be funded by general obligation bond proceeds, is included in the project's original $8.9 million budget. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser told the commission the allocation includes $300,000 for information technology expenses, $450,000 for office equipment and $100,000 for a professional training system designed to provide officers with interactive scenarios for use of force and de-escalation tactics.
New police station crosses midway point of construction
HAYS, Kan. — The $8.9 million police station project, which involves renovating the former Astra Bank building, is roughly 55 percent complete and remains on track for a fall opening. Once finished, the nearly 23,000-square-foot facility will double the department's current operational space. The renovated building will feature public restrooms, a municipal courtroom, a ventilated evidence room and a dedicated major casework area for homicide investigations. The upgrade will eliminate the department's reliance on shared county spaces and off-site rental storage units.
General fund sales tax collections continue to climb
HAYS, Kan. — Hays continues to see a steady increase in sales tax revenue, outpacing the current inflation rate of roughly 4 percent. May month-to-date general fund sales tax collections reached $898,269, representing a 6.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date collections are up 7 percent, or $284,277, with Ellis County sales tax collections also showing a healthy increase of more than $22,000.
Commissioners cite budget concerns over public transit request
HAYS, Kan. — City commissioners discussed a recent funding request from ACCESS Public Transportation, which asked the city for $190,531 for the upcoming year. Commissioners warned that the city lacks the funds to fulfill the request without raising the mill levy or cutting existing services. Acknowledging that public transit is a vital lifeline for many residents, city commissioners volunteered to serve on an upcoming task force to explore potential solutions and gather public input regarding the community's transit needs.
Unsafe electric scooter riders spark safety warnings
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission issued a strong safety warning to parents regarding children recklessly riding electric scooters on city streets. A city commissioner reported witnessing dangerous behavior, including a child of about 6 years old speeding down Hall Street with a toddler sitting on the front of the scooter. Urging parents to monitor their children's riding habits, commissioners agreed that the issue has become a growing safety concern for pedestrians and drivers attempting to navigate residential neighborhoods.
Police address difficulty enforcing scooter rules
HAYS, Kan. — Following city commissioner complaints about reckless electric scooter riders, the Hays Police Department noted that policing the issue is challenging since the unsafe behavior rarely occurs directly in front of officers. Police Chief Don Scheibler clarified that in downtown Hays, electric scooters are legally treated similarly to bicycles; they are permitted in designated bike lanes but are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks. The department continues to monitor the situation but emphasized that safe riding habits ultimately depend heavily on parental oversight and community education.
Commission addresses confusion over retail development
HAYS, Kan. — In response to recent public questions and social media commentary, the Hays City Commission addressed confusion regarding local retail development. City officials encouraged residents to listen to a recent Grow Hays podcast to better understand the multiyear development process and the concept of the "pull factor," which tracks local versus outside spending. Current financial data indicates that retail sectors — such as clothing, restaurants and merchant wholesalers — are actively driving strong sales dollars into the city.
Big-box retailer challenges explained to community
HAYS, Kan. — Addressing frequent citizen requests to bring big-box retailers like Target Corp. and Sam's Club to Hays, the Hays City Commission explained that local government does not choose which private businesses open in the city. National chains conduct their own market research, and city leaders stated it is their understanding that some major retailers are currently avoiding expansion into the area to prevent cannibalizing sales at their other regional locations. It was also noted during the meeting that major theater chains like AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. appear to be struggling nationwide due to shifting movie release models, which officials said makes it difficult to attract a large-scale theater to the local market.
Summer baseball season kicks off in Hays
HAYS, Kan. — City commissioners celebrated the return of summer baseball to the city, highlighting the revival of the local American Legion baseball team following a brief hiatus. The youth team, representing a league that celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, hosted a weekend triangular matchup against Larned and Ellis at Larks Park. Additionally, the commission noted that the Hays Larks collegiate summer baseball team is kicking off its 80th season with a highly anticipated home opener.
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