By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will review documents to establish a community improvement district at Stonewood Estates North Addition during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.
Homeowners are seeking to establish an improvement district to fund road improvements within their subdivision and extend those improvements to 270th Avenue.
The commission will review and decide whether to approve a drafted petition and other documents. If approved, homeowners would sign the petition and return it to the county to formally establish the improvement district.
The petition must be signed by more than 55% of landowners within the proposed district. No vote will be taken at this time as the commission works to establish consistent criteria for future improvement district projects.
2026 reorganizational appointment discussion
The commission will have its annual reorganization, which includes selecting the commission chairman and vice chairman, and making appointments to boards, committees, department head roles and other county positions.
The commission will review a list of positions requiring commissioner appointments and provide recommendations.
Bonds for major projects through the Public Building Commission
The commission will be asked to approve a resolution authorizing the Public Building Commission to begin the bonding process to finance several major county building projects.
Throughout 2025, the commission reviewed proposed projects, their costs and financing options. While preliminary estimates total about $10.78 million, the commission has set a $10 million funding cap for the projects.
The projects include a remodel of the law enforcement center, replacement of the courthouse HVAC system and a fire storage building at Public Works. An upgrade to the county landfill transfer station will no longer be financed through bonding.
SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission sees decreased costs for multiple projects
2025 end-of-year transfers
The commission will decide on year-end transfers from departmental operating budgets into reserve funds, with projected 2025 transfers totaling about $1.2 million.
While most departments may transfer up to 50% of unspent budget, the commission will consider transfers of up to 75% for specific departments to fund future capital needs, including equipment purchases and the planned renovation of the Law Enforcement Center.
Kansas Legislative Policy Group annual dues
Ellis County will decide whether to renew its membership in the Kansas Legislative Policy Group for 2026, with annual dues rising from about $7,400 in 2025 to $9,450 in 2026.
The organization represents counties with substantial oil, gas and property valuations and provides legislative advocacy that commissioners and staff regularly participate in through meetings.
Fluctuating valuations, a higher base fee, and rising operating costs drive the increase. If approved, the dues would be paid from the commissioner's departmental budget.
Noxious weed tractor purchase
Ellis County’s Noxious Weed Department is requesting approval to purchase a 2026 tractor and a mounted boom mower, which must be ordered now due to manufacturer scheduling.
The tractor would cost up to $158,850, depending on the selected options, and the mower would cost about $81,090.
Fire department and U.S. Department of Interior grant
The Ellis County Fire Department is moving ahead with a U.S. Department of the Interior Wildfire Management Grant that provides about $21,000 to install a fire skid unit on an existing vehicle.
The department plans to equip a truck with a new flatbed and modify it for firefighting. The department has also received other donations totaling more than $2,000.
Other business
Ellis County Public Works is requesting approval to purchase an 8-foot culvert to replace a county bridge on Saline River Road. Brendan Mackay, public works director, recommends accepting a bid of about $34,200 from Wellborn Sales, the lowest-cost option.
During the 2025 legislative session, legislation was passed that exempts certain personal property from taxation starting Jan. 1. These include off-road vehicles, trailers and watercraft such as boats. Eugene Rupp, county appraiser, will discuss this with the commission.
Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, will give a legislative update from the State of Kansas and discuss ideas regarding property tax relief.
The commission will accept a donation of about $1,250 from Buckeye Wind Energy to the Ellis County Fire Department to reimburse project costs in Schoenchen, including radio installation and building modifications.
You can view the full agenda here.