By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
As soon as the ordinances for two economic development incentives approved Thursday are published for the planned 24/7 Travel Store in Hays, the Salina-based company can begin construction.
Public hearings were conducted during the Hays City Commission meeting, followed by approval of ordinances to adopt a requested Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) and a requested Community Improvement District (CID) levying a 2% sales tax.
One audience member spoke during the TIF hearing, wondering if Triplett, Inc. would still build in Hays if the incentive were not approved.
"It was stated very clearly on their application that if the incentives were not there, they were not going to build a store here," Toby Dougherty, city manager, said during a Friday morning KAYS radio interview.
"It's a little bit of give and take, but we're still gaining more than we're giving up," added Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor. "I think we're looking at the broader picture and seeing the increased sales tax revenue that will be generated that we as a community will have to put toward our budget."
The developer estimated annual taxable retail sales of $5 million. The city levies a local 2.25% sales tax, which finances the general fund.
The TIF, which captures increment gains in property taxes within the TIF District, is anticipated to generate $4.5 million of revenue during the maximum 20-year term. It will be made available to reimburse the developer for an estimated $4.2 million in TIF-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Within the Community Improvement District, a 2% CID sales tax will be imposed for a maximum 22 years in addition to the city’s current sales tax of 2.25%. The CID sales tax revenues would be used to reimburse the developer on a pay-as-you-go basis for CID-eligible expenses of $6.5 million. The CID sales tax would generate about $2 million.
No property tax abatement is requested.
The 24/7 Travel Store would be a 9,000-square-foot full-service travel plaza and convenience store at Interstate 70, Exit 159, including 12 gas fuel positions, five diesel fuel positions, electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant in the travel plaza, a dog park and RV overnight camp sites.
They expect to hire 14 employees.
"I'm excited this will jump I-70," said Shaun Musil, commissioner. "I really think it will encourage other businesses to come (north of the interstate)."
Dougherty said owners Mark and Ted Augustine, who were at the commission meeting but did not speak, plan to also refurbish and expand their smaller existing 24/7 Travel Store at 3601 Vine, south of the interstate.
2025 Audit
The results of the city's 2025 budget audit were accepted following a presentation by Jami Benyshek of Adams Brown. She said, "It went really great this year and was all very clean."
The complete budget is available on the city's website.
Mayoral appointment recommendations
Commssioners approved the following appointments by Mayor Mason Ruder to serve on local boards and committees.
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs was absent from the meeting.
Watch the entire April 9, 2026 Hays City Commission meeting below.