By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission discussed several potential bond projects during a work session on Monday.
Commissioners received updates on the law enforcement center, courthouse HVAC replacement and the Ellis emergency services building.
Darin Myers, county administrator, said the next step is to consider a resolution next week authorizing the sale of the bonds. Bids for the bond sale are expected to come back by the March 10 commission meetings.
For the law enforcement center, Myers said the plan is to begin phase one of the remodel this summer, focusing on basement work. Phase two would start in December.
Myers said the main floor will receive some paint and carpet updates, with most of the work focused on the reception area, nearby offices and restrooms.
Myers said plans for the main floor also include adding a training room, a new bonding area for inmates and a dedicated space for meetings with children experiencing mental health issues.
The courthouse HVAC replacement would follow the law enforcement center as the next project. Myers said that once bond funding is secured for the Ellis emergency services building, the county would move forward with site analysis for construction.
SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission sees decreased costs for multiple projects
Right-of-way discussions
Commissioners discussed right-of-way issues. These range from unmaintained roads to private right-of-ways the county maintains, as well as areas the county maintains that provide little public benefit.
Eugene Rupp, county appraiser, said maintaining private roads raises fairness concerns, as it results in some landowners receiving county services that others do not.
He also said maintaining roads without a legal right-of-way raises liability concerns, noting those areas are untaxable.
Commissioner Nathan Leiker proposed a structured committee review process that would examine the county by quadrants, such as the northwest and northeast. The goal would be to notify affected landowners before any changes are made.
Brendan Mackay, public works director, said the county could also consider organizing the review by right-of-way status categories.
Community improvement district
The commission discussed establishing clearer minimum maintenance standards for community improvement district road agreements so future developments know what to expect.
The three options discussed include:
• The initial work plus three seal-coat maintenance cycles
• The initial work plus two maintenance cycles
• Contractor-built options
Other business
The Ellis County Health Department shared an update reflecting on 2025 and outlining initiatives planned for the year ahead.