By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners made no changes to the requested funds from outside agencies in the 2027 draft budget during their discussion at Thursday's work session.
"As you know, we have one of the lowest mill levies (24.381 mills) in the state and our sales tax rate (9.250%) is about middle of the pack," said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.
"Expenditures in the general fund are only about half a million dollars (more) than 2026.
"But 76% of that is because of a 2% step (in salary increase) and a 2% COLA (cost of living adjustment) that's built into the budget. This recommended budget is taking care of our employees and maintains operations," Bielser said.
"In order for the budget to stay revenue neutral, you would have to cut $131,081 dollars from the levy funds," he explained.
David Vilaysing, commissioner, said (cutting) "$131,000 to stay revenue neutral is actually not that difficult."
Vilaysing suggested all outside agencies asking for $10,000 or more should have their request cut by $2,000.
He also suggested the city should operate more like a business, including using opportunities for advertising income at places such as the Hays Aquatic Park, Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex and in the parks.
Vilaysing said if the city were to cut those agencies' funding, they should also cut their own commissioner salaries.
Although they all said they respected Vilaysing's ideas, the other four commissioners were opposed to cuts in the outside agencies' funding.
"It's really difficult to monetize quality of life," said Sandy Jacobs, commissioner. "I don't think we're saving anything, we're just moving where the money's going.
"To change, we would be out asking the same people for money that they (non-profit organizations) are out asking for," she said.
"This is a big no for me," said Shaun Musil, commissioner.
"I would never consider cutting social services funding ... they do so much for the underserved."
Musil said the city does need more information and discussion about ACCESS Public Transportation which is run by Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and is facing decreased state and federal funding.
DSNWK ACCESS Public Transportation, which received funding from the city CARE Council through 2026, has asked for $190,531 from the city, up $108,031 from the $82,500 they received in 2026.
Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor, thanked Bielser and city staff for "doing what we asked, presenting us a fiscally conservative budget."
"This is the leanest budget I've ever seen," said Mason Ruder, mayor, noting that a city is required to provide certain public services. "The city is a monster to keep up and running."
Ruder also asked for input from Hays residents. The 2027 draft budget is available on the city's website.
Friday, July 17 was the deadline for notifying the Ellis County Clerk of the city's intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate, as required by the state. To be revenue neutral, a taxing entity can’t collect more in taxes than it did the previous year.
Commissioners will resume their review of the proposed budget at their August 6 work session.
161 First Addition
An application has been submitted for the final plat of 161 First Addition at the northeast corner of the exit 161 Interstate 70 interchange. The property is owned by the City of Hays.
The proposed final plat includes two blocks with a total of 13 lots ranging in size from 1.2 to 9.7 acres. The Hays Area Planning Commission and city staff already recommended final plat approval, said Jesse Rohr, public works director.
The city commission agreed to move the application on to the July 23 meeting for a vote.
Chick-fil-A industrial revenue bonds
Construction of a new Chick-fil-A quick service restaurant at 3404 Vine is substantially complete according to the developer and is expected to open in early fall.
The developer requested industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) for the project, allowing a sales tax exemption for all purchases related to the construction. On March 26, 2026, the commission adopted a resolution of intent for the IRBs.
Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, presented an ordinance to authorize the issuance of the IRBs not to exceed $6.25 million.
No property tax abatement is requested.
The developer estimates initial total annual retail sales will be approximately $5.5 million. At the city’s current sales tax rate of 2.25%, this would generate about $123,750 in annual sales tax revenue for the city.
The proposed ordinance was moved on to the July 23 meeting.
Additional commissioner comments
Vilaysing said he'd been notified that some posted election signs in Hays had been stolen.
"Stop taking the election signs. Give them the same respect you would want for your own opinion and signs," Vilaysing said.