By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will hear economic incentive updates at their Thursday work session that would move forward two new residential housing developments.
The first request is for a resolution authorizing the city to issue $6 million in general obligation bonds to finance the Tallgrass Phase 4 Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) public infrastructure improvements.
The project is a joint venture between the city of Hays and Heart of America Development Corporation. An RHID was created to cover the costs of installing the necessary water, sewer and street infrastructure for the property. The RHID revenues generated by the district will pay the general obligation bond debt moving forward.
The commission will also consider a resolution setting a public hearing for the establishment of an RHID at the site of the former Lincoln School, 1906 Ash. Developer Michael Graham, Hays, plans to renovate the building into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, with four units in each new structure.
Graham estimates the RHID will generate about $1 million in revenues during its 25-year term. RHID revenues will be derived from incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. RHID-eligible project costs are estimated at $4.3 million.
Also on the agenda is information from Kim Rupp, finance director, who will review the city's property/liability insurance coverage policy, which is up for renewal on July 1.
Insurance Planning Inc., Hays, is the city's insurance broker. The coverage package was taken to market at the commission's request. One quote was received along with the renewal from Midwest Public Risk, which still had the lowest cost.
City staff recommended pursuing the 2026/2027 property/liability coverage renewal in the amount of $569,891 with MPR, an increase of $90 over the previous year.
The complete June 18 agenda is available here. The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hay City Hall, 1507 Main.