Hays local news summary

Commission approves $4 million contract for Tallgrass expansion despite past concerns

Engineering firm hired to oversee Tallgrass construction

City rezones land for new commercial district at Exit 161

Tree farm to relocate as industrial park expands

Report highlights multimillion-dollar impact of economic incentives

Police station and multi-use path projects near completion

R9 Ranch sees steady recreational use

Commissioner Barrick bids farewell after four-year term

State representative discusses property tax relief with commission

Appraiser warns of tax shift due to new exemptions

Commission authorizes $11 million in bonds for building projects

Decision on Stonewood Estates improvement district delayed

County saves money by converting bridge to culvert

Commission approves $4 million contract for Tallgrass expansion despite past concerns

HAYS, Kan. — The city commission unanimously authorized a $4.05 million contract with Hess Services Inc. to construct street, water and sewer infrastructure for the new Tallgrass 4th Addition. While the bid came in under the engineer's estimate, commissioners expressed hesitation regarding the contractor's performance on a 2021 city project. Director of Public Works Jesse Rohrer assured the commission that the contractor has addressed previous issues and that strict oversight, including liquidated damages for delays, will be enforced for the 101-lot development.

Engineering firm hired to oversee Tallgrass construction

HAYS, Kan. — To ensure quality control on the Tallgrass 4th Addition project, the commission awarded a $196,000 contract to Sloan Engineering and Consulting LLC. The firm will provide daily on-site inspections, material testing and stormwater compliance checks throughout construction. This contract runs parallel to the infrastructure work awarded to Hess Services, ensuring independent verification of the development's standards.

City rezones land for new commercial district at Exit 161

HAYS, Kan. — Commissioners voted 5-0 to rezone and annex a 90-acre tract of city-owned land located north of I-70 near 27th Street and Commerce Parkway. The property was rezoned from agricultural district to commercial general district (C2) to align with the city's comprehensive plan. The move prepares the area for future retail, service and office developments, with infrastructure extensions scheduled to begin in 2026.

Tree farm to relocate as industrial park expands

HAYS, Kan. — The commission approved the rezoning of city property at 2200 Commerce Parkway, located south of I-70, from agriculture to light industrial district (I-1). The site, which currently houses the city's tree farm, is intended for future industrial development. The tree farm will be relocated to open space near the Chetolah Creek Water Reclamation and Reuse Facility, where amended soil and effluent water will support the trees.

Report highlights multimillion-dollar impact of economic incentives

HAYS, Kan. — Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams presented a cost-benefit analysis of local economic incentives, citing the recent expansions of Vernie's Trux-N-Equip and Agiliti. Williams reported that a $36,000 sales tax exemption for Vernie's Trux-N-Equip and Lewis Automotive Group resulted in a projected 10-year economic impact of $9.4 million. He noted that while Agiliti received a $1.3 million property tax abatement, the company's decision to stay and expand in Hays is expected to generate a $191 million payroll ripple effect over the next decade.

Police station and multi-use path projects near completion

HAYS, Kan. — Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman reported that demolition at the new police station site is nearly complete, with concrete work and building enclosure scheduled next. The "Hays midsection" of the east multi-use path is finished, with work now shifting to the section near the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Once completed, the path will provide an unbroken pedestrian and bicycle route from the museum to 22nd Street.

R9 Ranch sees steady recreational use

HAYS, Kan. — City staff reported that the R9 Ranch property hosted 531 visitors during the recent upland bird and deer hunting seasons. The property is being prepared for prescribed burns this spring, which will serve as a joint training exercise for the Hays Fire Department and state game and parks staff.

Commissioner Barrick bids farewell after four-year term

HAYS, Kan. — In his final meeting, Commissioner Reese Barrick reflected on his four-year tenure, highlighting the commission's progress on securing the R9 Ranch water source and incentivizing housing development. Barrick emphasized the city's focus on public safety and collaboration with Ellis County on infrastructure projects like the Northwest Business Corridor. Fellow commissioners praised Barrick for his dedication to data-driven decision-making and water conservation efforts.

State representative discusses property tax relief with commission

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - State Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, met with the commission to discuss the upcoming legislative session, specifically seeking local input on property tax relief. Commissioners Michael Berges and Neal Younger expressed frustration that state-mandated exemptions and the loss of revenue streams, such as mortgage processing fees and personal property taxes, force the county to shift the tax burden to real estate owners. Commissioner Nathan Leiker noted that while income streams are limited, county expenses continue to rise. Wasinger acknowledged the difficulty of the "three-legged stool" of taxation and requested commissioners' ideas on how to best structure relief.

Appraiser warns of tax shift due to new exemptions

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - County Appraiser Eugene Rupp updated the commission on 2025 legislation that will exempt several categories of personal property from taxation beginning in 2026. The exemptions apply to off-road vehicles like ATVs and golf carts, trailers under 12,000 pounds and watercraft. The appraiser estimated this will remove approximately $1 million in assessed valuation from the tax rolls, which is roughly equivalent to removing 35 homes valued at $250,000 each. County Administrator Darin Myers warned that even if the county remains revenue neutral, this change will shift the tax burden from luxury item owners to real estate property owners.

Commission authorizes $11 million in bonds for building projects

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The Ellis County Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2025-20, authorizing the Public Building Commission to issue bonds for capital improvement projects. The resolution sets a cap of $11 million to cover an estimated $10 million in project costs—primarily for renovations to the Law Enforcement Center and basement—plus issuance fees. County Administrator Darin Myers noted that while the bond cap is set at $11 million for procedural safety, the target project budget remains $10 million. The commission will revisit the specific amounts in February following a mandatory publication period.

Decision on Stonewood Estates improvement district delayed

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The commission postponed a vote on the creation of the Stonewood Estates North Addition Community Improvement District to allow for a work session on Jan. 27. The proposed district would assess property owners to fund road improvements within the subdivision and along 270th Avenue. Commissioners expressed a desire to establish minimum standards for future community improvement districts—such as higher thresholds for petition approval or specific maintenance requirements—before approving this specific request. The delay will also allow the county to clarify policy regarding financing terms to ensure county funds are not used to front-load private development projects.

County saves money by converting bridge to culvert

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The commission voted to replace Bridge FAS 360 with an 8-foot culvert rather than a new bridge structure, a move expected to save the county significant funds. Public Works Director Brendan Mackay reported that the bridge was slated for removal from inventory under a state grant program. While a full bridge replacement would have cost approximately $300,000, the culvert installation is estimated at $35,000 plus concrete work. The structure is located in a small drainage area south of Walker, making the downsizing feasible.

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