Hays local news summary

Hays approves incentives for Agiliti expansion, 140 new jobs

Incentives approved for new 24/7 Travel Store plaza at Exit 157

Northside Multi-Use Path project awarded for $1.6 million

R-9 water project remains a priority, commissioner reports

Commissioner calls for review of city’s pit bull policy

County appraiser warns property tax caps would create ‘winners and losers’

State law to shift $1 million in tax burden to real estate owners

Commission discusses sales tax as property tax relief measure

Commission reviews preliminary plans for $14.9 million in county building projects

911 center secures grant to map school interiors for emergencies

Hays approves incentives for Agiliti expansion, 140 new jobs

HAYS, Kan. - The Hays City Commission unanimously approved a resolution to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds for Agiliti, a medical equipment manufacturer, paving the way for a major expansion expected to add 140 new jobs. Incentives include a sales tax exemption on eligible construction materials and a property tax abatement for up to 10 years. A company vice president told commissioners the incentives were critical in the decision to reinvest in Hays rather than move operations to another site.

Incentives approved for new 24/7 Travel Store plaza at Exit 157

HAYS, Kan. - A resolution of intent to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds was approved for a planned 24/7 Travel Store plaza north of I-70 at Exit 157. Developer Triplett, Inc. plans a roughly $11.1 million, 9,000-square-foot facility similar to its Russell location, with gas and diesel fuel, EV charging, a quick-service restaurant area and a dog park. The Industrial Revenue Bond sales-tax exemption is estimated to be worth about $125,000. The developer expects to request Tax Increment Financing and Community Improvement District districts subsequently.

Northside Multi-Use Path project awarded for $1.6 million

HAYS, Kan. - Commissioners authorized a $1.6 million contract with Morgan Brothers Construction for the Northside Multi-Use Path connecting 41st and Hall to Vine Street and the Sternberg Museum. The city’s share is $387,000, under the $500,000 originally budgeted; the remaining 80 percent is covered by a Kansas Department of Transportation grant. Officials emphasized the project’s safety benefits by providing an alternative to the narrow, heavily used 41st Street corridor.

R-9 water project remains a priority, commissioner reports

HAYS, Kan. - Following participation in statewide water discussions, Commissioner Reese Barrick updated colleagues on the R-9 Ranch long-term water-supply project. He noted the cities received an administrative ruling in February 2024 approving the transfer application, while related legal matters have included a 2023 Kansas Supreme Court remand on a standing issue and ongoing litigation involving Edwards County. Barrick emphasized that decades of planning keep Hays better positioned than many Kansas communities.

Commissioner calls for review of city’s pit bull policy

HAYS, Kan. - Commissioner Reese Barrick asked city staff to research and review Hays’ ordinance that classifies pit bull-type dogs as dangerous. He suggested focusing on behavior-based enforcement rather than breed-specific language. The city’s current ordinance classifies pit bulls as “dangerous” dogs and imposes additional requirements for licensing.

County appraiser warns property tax caps would create ‘winners and losers’

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — A proposed state legislative cap on property valuation increases would not lower the overall tax burden but would instead shift it unfairly among homeowners, Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp told commissioners Tuesday. During a detailed presentation, Rupp explained that a cap, such as a rumored 3 percent limit, would force the county to raise its mill levy to collect the same amount of budgeted funds. This would result in owners of properties appreciating at less than 3 percent paying more than their share, effectively subsidizing owners of higher-growth properties. Rupp described the outcome as creating “winners and losers,” undermining tax fairness and equity.

State law to shift $1 million in tax burden to real estate owners

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — A state law passed last year will shift approximately $1 million in assessed value from personal property to real estate, County Appraiser Eugene Rupp reported Tuesday. Effective in 2026, personal property items such as utility task vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, boats and many personal trailers will become tax-exempt. Because the county will still need to collect the same amount of revenue, the tax burden previously covered by those items will be absorbed by real estate owners through a higher mill levy, resulting in increased property tax bills for homeowners and commercial property owners.

Commission discusses sales tax as property tax relief measure

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — As discussions on property taxes continued, commissioners highlighted the county’s existing sales tax as a key tool for alleviating the burden on property owners. The current sales tax collection is equivalent to 6.05 mills, directly offsetting property taxes. It was noted that approximately 60 percent of the county’s sales tax revenue is generated by non-residents. The commission indicated it will continue discussions about extending and possibly increasing the sales tax, which is set to expire, as a way to fund county services and projects while controlling property tax rates.

Commission reviews preliminary plans for $14.9 million in county building projects

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The Ellis County Commission was presented with a preliminary overview for six major county construction and renovation projects with a combined estimated cost of $14.9 million. Representatives from a design and construction consultant provided rough-order-of-magnitude budgets for projects including a remodel of the sheriff’s office, construction of a new joint Emergency Medical Services and Fire building, upgrades to the county transfer station and public works facilities and significant heating, ventilation and air conditioning overhauls for the county courthouse and administration building. Commissioner Nathan Leiker noted the total cost was higher than he anticipated, stating the commission’s intent is to fund the projects through reserves and sales tax without raising property taxes. No final decisions were made.

911 center secures grant to map school interiors for emergencies

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. — The county’s 911 communications center has been approved for a state grant to create detailed indoor maps of local schools to aid first responders during emergencies. Communications Director Jeff Ridgway announced that the Kansas 911 Board grant will fund the mapping of Hays High School, Hays Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary and TMP-Marian High School in its first round. The digital floor plans will allow dispatchers to see the precise location of a 911 call within a building, including the floor level, and relay that critical information to police and fire personnel.

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