By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the second draft of the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.
This version includes revisions from department heads and elected officials. The main budget updates are employee pay adjustments and insurance premium increases.
Several budget items still need further discussion, including a proposed new retirement match tier, outside agency funding and possibly adding one to two mills.
The discussion of mill levies continues from the July 8 meeting.
Notice to exceed revenue-neutral rate
The commission will be asked to approve sending a notice to the county clerk of its intention to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the 2026 budget year.
This notice does not obligate the commission to exceed the revenue-neutral rate but preserves the legal option to do so as final budget decisions are made.
Current estimates show the general fund mill levy would increase slightly to about 37 mills and the fire district to around four mills to meet projected 2026 revenue requirements. A public hearing on the budget is set for Sept. 9.
Capital improvement projects and bond options
The commission will review several major upcoming capital improvement projects with a total cost of about $9.75 million.
These include remodeling areas in the law enforcement center in Hays, building a new EMS/fire station in Ellis, replacing fan coil units in the administrative building and upgrading the courthouse HVAC system.
Darin Myers, county administrator, will ask the commission to consider using bonds to finance these projects, as the county has a solid AA credit rating.
Other business
The Ellis County Fire Department will display two new fire engines after the meeting for the commissioners to see. These engines were approved for purchase in December 2023.
The commission will be requested to approve an updated rental contract for the Schenk and Unrein Buildings at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation requested a change to the indemnity clause limiting their responsibility to injuries or damages only caused by their group or contractors.
The commission will be asked to approve a bid of about $36,200 from JDR Painting to repaint the jail cells and kitchen ceiling at the Ellis County Jail.
The commission will be asked to approve revised job descriptions as part of the previously approved restructuring of the Public Works Department.
You can view the full agenda here.