By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Requests by outside agencies for funding from the city of Hays in 2025 will be heard at today's city commission work session.
Scheduled to present requests are Fort Hays State University, Grow Hays, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, and the CARE Council.
Commissioners traditionally do not make decisions regarding funding amounts at the work session. They'll weigh in specifically on the allocations during the 2025 budget process.
"We're in the thick of budget preparations right now," said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.
Jeff Crispin, director of water resources, will present a recommended bid award for advanced metering infrastructure for the city's 8,500 water meters.
"Currently, we have four staff members who walk and touch each meter once a month using a handheld computer to take a reading," said Bielser. "This new technology enables two-way radio frequency communication between the meters and the utility building office, which would eliminate this task."
The four employees would be reassigned to other areas of the Department of Water Resources.
"AMI provides continuous monitoring, which allows both the city and utility customers to monitor their usage in real time. This will help identify irregularities and detect malfunctions."
The technology is being used in Garden City, Abilene, Junction City and other similar-sized Kansas towns. Hays-based Midwest Energy also uses AMI for their electric and gas meters.
The recommended bid is from Core & Main, McPherson, for $4.4 million.
Other agenda items include more information for a request by four local military veterans organizations to declare Hays as a Purple Heart City.
A resolution will be heard about the intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the community center to be built in The Grove housing development north of Hays Medical Center.
Kim Rupp, director of finance, will make a recommendation of remaining with the current provider for the city's property/liability insurance coverage renewal.
The June 20 agenda is available here.
The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.