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# Hays commission to vote on R9 water resolution, contested golf course contract
- URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/hays-commission-to-vote-on-r9-water-resolution-contested-golf-course-contract/
- Published: 2026-10-22T15:49:37.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-22T15:49:37.000Z
- Description: Agenda also features September financials and employee service awards
- Author: Greg Loving
- Tags: Hays, dnn, #news

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The Hays City Commission is set to vote Thursday afternoon on a resolution declaring the city’s intent to sustainably manage the [R9 Ranch](https://www.haysusa.com/1007/R9-Ranch?ref=citizenjournal.us) water supply.

[Resolution 2026-022](https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/%5F10222026-1644?ref=citizenjournal.us) affirms a commitment to use the 6,900-acre Edwards County property efficiently ahead of a scheduled Nov. 3 state water transfer hearing, a critical step in the city's 11-year effort to secure its water future.

Also on the 4 p.m. agenda is a proposed three-year contract that would shift management of the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course pro shop to the Hays Recreation Commission from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2029.

The proposal drew pushback at the Oct. 8 meeting when a resident criticized the lack of an open bidding process and urged the commission to postpone the decision.

Commissioners are also scheduled to review the September financial statement, which reports $13.8 million in monthly revenue — a $5.4 million decrease compared to the same period in 2025, largely due to a $9.9 million drop in capital project bond proceeds.

Despite the overall revenue decline, year-to-date general fund sales tax collections remain up 5.1% to $7.8 million.

The meeting will also feature the presentation of service awards to city employees, highlighted by a 40-year milestone for Public Works Service Superintendent Donnie Stejskal.

Other scheduled business includes authorizing Mayor Mason Ruder to sign state grant and repayment agreements for One Twenty Seven Investments, LLC, alongside final votes on an industrial rezoning request and a utility easement vacation.

*This article was written using our proprietary AI system, Cronkite. The final decision to publish this article was made by a human. For more info, read our* [*AI policy*](https://www.citizenjournal.us/ai-policy/)*.*

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