By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
"Flat" is how Hays' 2027 draft budget was described when compared to the 2026 budget by Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.
City commissioners got their first look at the proposed budget with the highlights presented by Bielser at last Thursday's work session.
The mill levy would decline slightly to 24.153 mills from 24.381 in 2026. This would be the 18th-consecutive year the Hays mill levy is at 25 mills or less.
The few increases that are detailed involve the city's 183 full-time employees.
"This is pretty straight forward. It's really about taking care of our employees," Bielser told commissioners.
"Programmed in is a 2% salary step and a 2% COLA (cost of living adjustment), which is normal."
He noted annual inflation is running about 4%.
Staff is also recommending increasing the employees' health insurance premium contribution from $11,000 to $12,500 per employee.
"The last two years employees have had to take 100% of the premium increase the city has received because we are capped in at $11,000. So we're recommending we go to $12,500," Bielser said.
Operating expenditures in the general fund are estimated to be up $509,000. Bielser said 76% of that is due to the COLA and step increases for employees. The other 24% is largely inflation.
"I want to remind people and stress the general fund does not get property tax. It's primarily sales tax ... (for) the majority of city services—police, parks, streets," Bielser said.
Sales tax revenue is anticipated to be 2% higher in 2027 than in 2026.
Property taxes support levy funds for employee benefits, Hays Public Library and employee benefits, Hays Regional Airport, public safety equipment, and bond and interest.
Assessed valuation is up about 1%.
"Interestingly, overall, about 10% of assessed valuation was a drop because a law the state recently passed where things like boats and RVs are exempt from property tax," Bielser said.
He said the draft city budget would exceed the revenue neutral rate.
Outside agency funding is the same as 2026. The commissioners will take a closer look at those requests at their July 16 work session.
The proposed budget is available for review on the city's website.
Sanitary sewer liner and point repairs
The proposed plan repairing 1,943 linear feet of sanitary sewer lining and 55 internal point repairs at multiple locations across the city was presented by Jeff Crispin, water resources director. The low bid is $153,140 from Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard.
This year's work is generally between Hall and Vine Streets and from 33rd Street south to Fort Street.
The item was moved on to the July 9 city commission for approval.
General obligation bonds sale
A resolution was reviewed by Kim Rupp, city finance director, to issue $6 million in general obligation bonds to fund the Tallgrass Phase 4 infrastructure improvements and to permanently finance the infrastructure improvements at Interstate 70, Exit 161.
It will also be considered for a vote at this week's meeting.
Change in commission meeting times
David Vilaysing, commissioner, had asked for a discussion about changing commission meeting start times to later in the day, saying he he had talked to people who said they would attend if they were set back.
Currently, both meetings and work sessions begin at 4 p.m. on Thursdays.
"It would be a benefit to the community and not overly burdensome on our employees," Vilaysing said.
Sandy Jacobs, commissioner, who also served when meeting start times were in the early evening said, "I haven't seen any difference in attendance."
She said she thought it would be hard on the city employees and noted Ellis County commissioners meet at 8:30 a.m. with more public attendance than the city.
Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor, and Mayor Mason Ruder both said they appreciate being able to get home early to their families and attend evening events.
Commissioners reminded constituents to utilize the audio recordings available for work sessions and the live video feed and replay of regular meetings courtesy of Nex-Tech. They also encouraged people to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.
The agenda item did not advance for a vote.
Toby Dougherty, city manager, was absent from the meeting.