By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will make a final review of the draft 2026 budget during their Thursday work session before the revenue neutral rate public hearing and budget public hearing on Sept. 11.
Also on the agenda is a resolution to establish a benefit district for 32 lots in the Covenant Estates First Addition in west Hays. The developer, Covenant Land & Developing Inc., has petitioned the city for street, stormwater, water, and sanitary sewer improvements through the use of a benefit district.
The engineer’s estimate for total construction costs of these improvements is $2.9 million. Seventy percent of the costs will be special assessed, with the remaining 30% being paid by the developer. No city capital would be expended.
A $221,000 engineering agreement with Sloan Engineering and Consulting, Hays, has been prepared for the infrastructure improvements in Phase 1.
In other business, High Plains Mental Health Center has made a $49,964 request to the city for distribution of opioid settlement funds. The mental health center would use the funds to purchase equipment for its new Crisis Intervention Center that is under construction. The opioid funds are distributed by the state to municipalities and must be allocated for opioid and substance use disorder abatement.
The complete August 7 agenda is available here. The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.