By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Ellis County commissioners are scheduled to hear an update on Fort Hays State University from President Tisa Mason at their Tuesday meeting, amid new developments concerning the planned closure of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.
FHSU announced recently that Sternberg will close Dec. 18.
The county agenda lists a general update on FHSU from Mason but does not specify whether she will discuss the museum.
The commission also will hear a presentation on the county’s 2027 health insurance renewals and consider an $81,400 upgrade to the judge’s bench in the 23rd Judicial District Court.
Nathan Leiker, county commissioner, is also scheduled to provide an update on ACCESS Transportation.
Health Insurance renewal rates
Julie Yarmer of FCMI, the county’s insurance consultant, is scheduled to present the 2027 health insurance renewals. The county included an estimated 7% increase in premiums when it prepared its 2027 budget because renewal rates generally arrive in early September, around the time the budget is approved.
Ellis County currently uses Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas for health and dental coverage. After receiving the renewal rates in September, FCMI also compared pricing from other insurance carriers.
The county pays 86% of employees’ health and dental premiums, while employees pay the remaining 14% for their selected plans. Employees pay the full cost of vision coverage. The county also pays for a MASA medical transportation plan for each employee.
ACCESS Transportation Update
Leiker is scheduled to update the commission on ACCESS Transportation, which provides transportation service in the area.
At a Sept. 22 meeting, Leiker said the ACCESS task force supported continuing the service while it develops a long-term plan.
The task force identified a funding shortfall and was considering a combined request of about $30,000 from the city and county during the 2027 budget cycle. The split between the two governments had not yet been determined.
Public works updates
Brendan Mackay, Public Works director, is scheduled to present information on routine inspections of the county’s bridges. Penco Engineering, which has previously completed the inspections, would inspect the county’s 194 bridges. The county’s share would be $34,920, or $180 per structure.
The cost is higher than in past years because of updated federal requirements for bridge inspections and data reporting. The changes require at least 54 new data items for each structure and reformatting or updating nearly all other items, increasing the time needed to inspect and record information for each bridge.
Mackay also will present a used grader purchase to commissioners.
In other business
In other business, Jennifer Taylor, human resources manager, is scheduled to present an update to the human resource generalist job description.
The agenda also includes introductions of new and promoted employees.
The Ellis County Commission meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in the Commission Room at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.