Hays City Commission to recognize water rights legislative victory

The Hays City Commission on Thursday is set to celebrate a legislative victory in its decade-long quest for a long-term water supply, receiving a signed copy of a state law that strips counties of the power to block water transfers. State Rep. Barbara Wasinger, a Republican, will present House Bill 2433, a measure she championed to protect the city's ongoing effort to pipe municipal water from the 7,000-acre R9 Ranch in Edwards County.

The bipartisan legislation, signed earlier this year by Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, ensures uniform state control over water resources.

Thursday's agenda also features an update on Fort Hays State University from its president, Tisa Mason.

Commissioners will also review the city's August financial statement, which reported $2,346,696 in monthly revenues — a year-over-year drop of $1,372,956 caused largely by the timing of state sales and gas tax distributions. Meanwhile, monthly expenditures rose by $571,638 to hit $5,812,606, driven by new bond debt service and employee health insurance invoices.

The upcoming financial review follows the commission's Sept. 10 meeting, where leaders formally approved the city's 2027 budget. Passed on a 3-1 vote with Commissioner David Vilaysing dissenting, the spending plan exceeded the revenue-neutral rate to capture $7,711,594 in property taxes, though it maintains a mill levy of 24.382 mills — keeping the city's rate below 25 mills for the 18th consecutive year.

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