By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Although Ellis County offices reopened to the public Tuesday morning, the city of Hays will keep its facilities closed for now.
"During Phase 1 of the governor's plan to reopen Kansas, we plan on having the city facilities closed," said Collin Bielser, assistant city manager. "Staff is teleworking when we can."
Only the Hays Regional Airport has remained open during the statewide stay-at-home order.
The decree was was lifted Monday by Gov. Laura Kelly. Hays has reopened all city playgrounds, shelters and the dog park.
During Phase 1, groups must still be smaller than 10 people with persons remaining at least 6 feet apart. Working from home, or telework, is strongly recommended by the state.
City department heads will meet Thursday to talk about facility opening plans for Phase 2, which is expected to begin May 18.
"Obviously with Phase 2, the mass gathering restrictions will increase. Those type of protocols will be discussed and how we can accommodate them with our facilities," Bielser said.
Some prep work has already begun in City Hall, 1507 main.
Plexiglass guards now hang from the ceiling at the front desk in the city clerk/finance office, shielding employees from residents who pay utility bills in person.
Early in the shutdown, the city notified customers they must pay their bill for water, sewer and trash online, by mail, or use the two drop off boxes on the south and east sides of city hall.
Many customers made the switch to online payments through the city's website, a service that has been available for several years.
According to Kim Rupp, finance director, the number of March online bill pay transactions was up 145 from a year ago and April was up 201.