By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will review the fourth draft of the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.
This is the last chance for the commission to make changes before the proposed budget is published. After publication, a public hearing on the revenue-neutral rate and budget will be set for Sept. 9.
During last week’s meeting, the commission discussed High Plains Mental Health’s funding request of about $378,600 and its plan to honor it.
SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission readjusts 2026 funding; discusses 1 mill tax hike
Request for proposal for appraisal contract services
The Ellis County Appraiser's Office is seeking approval to enter into a consulting agreement with Equitable Solutions for commercial and industrial income and expense analysis services.
The proposal also includes staff training to eventually bring the service in-house and eliminate the need for a contractor by 2027.
This request comes after the retirement of the county’s longtime contractor earlier this year. The goal for 2026 is for the appraisal staff to handle most of the analysis with Equitable Solutions offering limited guidance.
The total cost is $21,000 and would be paid in three installments. The expense will be covered from the appraiser's 2025 general fund and the capital reserve fund.
Natural gas pricing
Commissioners will receive an update from Mike Thomas, vice president of WoodRiver Energy, on the option to lock in natural gas rates for county facilities. The aim is to protect against price surges like those seen during the February 2021 cold spell, when rates exceeded $600 per million British thermal units.
The commission will decide between one to three-year fixed rate options. The current price rate for Ellis County is $5.65.
Other business
The commission will be asked to approve a waived fee of about $500 in waste disposal for the upcoming Volga German Oktoberfest, scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27 in Hays.
Commissioners will also be asked to approve an updated job description for the Noxious Weed Department, including the addition of a new position level. This change aims to align with stricter state certification requirements and improve employee retention. No new positions would be created.
You can view the full agenda here.