Hays – Week of July 12 2025
Tax Increase Debate; Airport Growth; City Bond Issuances; Governor's Visit; New Emergency Notification System
Ellis County Commission Debates Proactive Tax Increase
Hays Regional Airport Reports Record-Breaking Passenger Growth
Hays Approves Major Bond Issuances For Infrastructure, Police Facility
Gov. Laura Kelly’s Visit Highlights Hays As A Leader In Water Conservation
Ellis County To Launch New Emergency Mass Notification System
1. Ellis County Commission Debates Proactive Tax Increase
ELLIS COUNTY - The Ellis County Commission engaged in a significant debate over a potential proactive tax increase for the 2026 budget. Citing future needs for major capital projects—such as a potential EMS facility in Ellis, Law Enforcement Center remodeling, and courthouse HVAC replacements—the commission discussed the idea of adding one or two mills to the budget now to prepare for the future. The increase would amount to approximately $46 per year on a $200,000 home for one mill. While commissioners expressed a desire to avoid tax hikes, particularly with the local agriculture and oil economies in a downturn, they also acknowledged the rising costs of maintaining county services, a significant portion of which are mandated by the state. The discussion was left open, with plans to revisit the topic to allow for public feedback before any decisions are made.
2. Hays Regional Airport Reports Record-Breaking Passenger Growth
HAYS - Hays Regional Airport is experiencing a period of unprecedented success, according to a detailed report presented to the Hays City Commission. Passenger traffic has surged, showing a 99% year-over-year increase after a new flight schedule was announced, and is on track for a record-breaking 34,000 round-trip enplanements in 2025—an 88% increase since 2023. ArkStar Group CEO Gary Foss credited the growth to a “virtually optimal” schedule operated by SkyWest Airlines, aggressive marketing, and competitive fares. A key driver is the new schedule, featuring an early-morning 6:35 a.m. departure to Denver and a late-evening return, which connects Hays travelers to United Airlines’ first and last “omni banks” of the day, serving both East- and West-Coast destinations. An analysis showed the current schedule connects to 100 unique cities and is only 23 minutes different from the absolute mathematical optimum. The immediate and dramatic market response to the April 2024 schedule change was cited as direct evidence of its effectiveness.
3. Hays Approves Major Bond Issuances for Infrastructure, Police Facility
HAYS - The Hays City Commission has authorized the issuance of millions of dollars in general-obligation bonds and temporary notes to finance four major city projects. The financing will cover the new police and courts facility, the city-wide automated metering infrastructure (AMI) project, and public infrastructure for both The Grove residential housing development and the I-70 Exit 161 area. The largest portion is a tax-exempt bond series for an estimated $14.375 million to fund the AMI project, police station, and The Grove’s streets and utilities. The resolutions, which passed unanimously (5-0), authorize city staff and financial advisors to prepare for the bond sale, with bids to be presented to the commission in August. A portion of the funds designated for infrastructure at I-70’s Exit 161 drew questions from the commission. With an estimated $4 million to be financed via temporary notes for the project, concern was raised about making such a large investment without having a specific development or retailer secured. City staff explained the move is based on feedback from developers who say infrastructure must be in place before commercial development will commit. The financing is intended to make the area “shovel-ready” and enable the city to sell lots, a necessary step to attract new business to the interchange.
4. Gov. Laura Kelly’s Visit Highlights Hays as a Leader in Water Conservation
HAYS - A recent visit from Gov. Laura Kelly to sign water-related legislation in Hays was a point of pride for the City Commission, which noted it was an honor for the city to be chosen. Commissioners highlighted that the governor’s decision underscores the community’s long-term commitment and leadership in water conservation. Kelly was reportedly impressed with Hays’ sustained, multi-generational efforts—particularly its youth education programs. The signing ceremony was viewed as state-level recognition of the city’s proactive approach to managing its water resources, validating decades of local work and planning.
5. Ellis County to Launch New Emergency Mass Notification System
ELLIS COUNTY - Ellis County is deploying a new mass-notification system called Everbridge to enhance its ability to alert the public during crises. Communications Director Jeff Ridgway explained that the system will fill a critical gap identified during events like the 2021 Four-County Fire, when there was no quick way to issue evacuation notices. The system will leverage FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), allowing for geographically precise warnings without requiring citizens to opt in. The service comes at a flat contract rate with no per-message fees and will also be used for internal county employee notifications and to ensure reliable communication with first responders.
Sources
- Ellis County, KS Commission. (2025, July 9). Ellis County, KS Commission [Video]. YouTube.
- Nex-Tech ℠. (2025, July 11). July 10th, 2025 [Commission Meeting] [Video]. YouTube.
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