By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on Insurance Services Office ratings for the Ellis County Fire Department at its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.
The fire department conducted an assessment in 2025 that created property protection classifications for different areas of the county. Better scores increase the likelihood that property owners may qualify for lower insurance premiums.
Assessments are usually conducted about every five years. The previous one was completed between 2017 and 2018.
Fire departments usually have multiple ratings based on a property’s location. The most significant changes occurred in Catharine, Munjor and Schoenchen, where improvements were made after hydrants in those areas were formally recognized.
As a result of this change, the three communities saw improvements in their assessment ratings. It is worth noting not all insurance companies use these ratings directly to determine insurance premiums.
Residents in those communities are encouraged to speak with their insurance providers to determine whether they qualify for a lower premium.
Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers will also discuss with commissioners how his department's performance compares with other departments.
Other business
• Ellis County road tour date selection
• The Ellis County Recovery Court received about $25,200 in court funding.
• Opioid funding request to send Ellis County Sheriff officers to the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association conference
• Request to send Ellis County Health Department staff to attend the 2026 Governor's Public Health Conference
• Cottonwood Extension District executive director will provide an update
You can view the full agenda here.