By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays City Commission will vote on two ordinances to issue industrial revenue bonds for business expansions on Thursday.
Agiliti, a medical equipment manufacturer on South Commerce Parkway, plans to buy, renovate, and expand its campus buildings. The company will add a total of 140 new jobs in phases to the current 91 positions.
The utilization of industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.
The new location of Vernie's Trux-N-Equip is on six acres northwest of the intersection of 48th Street and General Hays Road, the site of the former Hays Livestock sales barn.
The developer is asking for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for the $2.2-million project. No property tax abatement is requested. A community improvement district is also being sought.
Construction engineering services contract
The commission will also vote on a bid from Driggs Design Group for the Interstate 70, Exit 161, infrastructure project. Driggs had the low bid of $38,632. The project will be funded from general obligation bonds.
The initial new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development on the city-owned 90-acre property.
Commissioners approved a contract on Nov. 25 with Smoky Hill, LLC, Salina, to build the infrastructure, which includes extending water and sewer mains to the property as well as the construction of internal roads, water/sewer service lines, stormwater infrastructure, and intersection and roadway improvements to 27th Street and Commerce Parkway.
Pool reimbursement request
Following a review of its 2025 pool season operation, the Hays Recreation Commission requested a 50% reimbursement for its operating loss, as outlined in the pool services agreement with the city. City commissioners will vote on paying $25,501 to the recreation commission from the 2025 General Fund Pool Budget.
CARE Council
Commissioners will consider re-appointment of Hays resident Hali Bielser to the CARE Council for a second two-year term.
Cereal malt beverage licenses
Approval of the 2026 cereal malt beverage city licenses for several businesses will be voted on.
The Dec. 11 agenda is available here. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.