Hays – Week of June 16 2025
Hays police station project; Transit service seeks funds; Hays insurance premiums spike; Grow Hays retail + housing; County faces tax increase?
Hays to Move Forward with $8 Million Police Station Project
Public Transit Service Seeks Emergency Funds Amid State Cuts
Hays Taxpayers Face 30% Spike in City’s Insurance Premiums
Grow Hays Details Plans for Major Retail and Housing Projects
County Faces Potential Tax Increase in Preliminary 2026 Budget
Hays to Move Forward with $8 Million Police Station Project
ELLIS COUNTY - The Hays City Commission unanimously approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of nearly $6 million for the renovation of the former Astra Bank building at 1100 Fort Street into a new police headquarters. The vote authorizes the next phase of the design-build agreement with Paul-Wertenberger Construction, Inc. (PWC). The total project, including the $1.8 million purchase of the bank and funds for furniture and equipment, is budgeted not to exceed $8 million, which will be financed through general-obligation bonds. The new facility will provide more than 20,000 square feet—over twice the current 8,000—and is designed to serve the city’s needs for decades with built-in options for future expansion. The project also includes construction of new off-site storage facilities.
Public Transit Service Seeks Emergency Funds Amid State Cuts
ELLIS COUNTY - Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (DSNWK) issued an urgent plea to the Ellis County Commission for a significant funding increase for its ACCESS Public Transportation service, citing a severe budget shortfall. Representatives said the service faces a $172,000 gap between operating costs and available funds and requested an additional $65,000 from the county to cover the local-match portion. The crisis is blamed on stagnant state and federal support that has not kept pace with rising vehicle and operating costs. Commissioners were warned that 13 to 14 similar Kansas transit agencies had to shut down temporarily last year after running out of money—an outcome ACCESS hopes to avoid. The service provides vital transportation within Ellis County, including for low-income residents and those with disabilities.
Hays Taxpayers Face 30% Spike in City’s Insurance Premiums
ELLIS COUNTY - The Hays City Commission authorized renewing its property-and-liability insurance package for 2025-2026 at $590,944, a 30 % increase—more than $136,000—over the prior year. Finance Director Kim Rupp said the jump stems mainly from a 244 % loss ratio after more than $3 million in hail-storm claims in 2021 and 2024. Although the new rate now matches the pool average, officials noted it remains below typical private-sector pricing. Staff plan to explore next-year market options, including self-insurance or hybrid models, to curb future costs.
Grow Hays Details Plans for Major Retail and Housing Projects
ELLIS COUNTY - Economic-development group Grow Hays briefed the Ellis County Commission on several projects aimed at boosting local housing and retail. Executive Director Doug Williams said Grow Hays is working with a broker to attract national big-box retailers to a 9.1-acre site it bought north of Home Depot; at least five retailers have shown strong interest. Housing plans include a 101-lot fourth phase of the Tallgrass Addition and “The Grove,” a $50 million, 108-home development north of Hays Medical Center that will feature patio homes, duplexes and villas. Home construction is set to begin in late summer.
County Faces Potential Tax Increase in Preliminary 2026 Budget
ELLIS COUNTY - The first draft of the Ellis County 2026 budget shows the county exceeding its revenue-neutral rate, suggesting the need for either a tax increase or significant spending cuts. County Administrator Darin Myers said reaching the revenue-neutral rate would require trimming roughly $750,000, while merely holding the current mill levy would still need cuts of a few hundred thousand dollars. Key cost drivers include a budgeted 7 % hike in health-insurance premiums and ongoing funding for the county’s asphalt-maintenance plan. The commission will refine the budget over the next couple of months before final adoption.
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Sources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMQV2fkX948
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEgKOtqAq98
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMQV2fkX948
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEgKOtqAq98
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEgKOtqAq98
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