By: ALIN HETT
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission discussed the first draft of the 2027 budget during its Tuesday meeting.
County Administrator Darin Myers said the process will be a multiple-month-long review process before the budget is formally adopted later this year. No action was taken on the budget.
The preliminary budget includes total general fund revenues of $31,618,574, an increase of $496,626 from the 2026 budget. Proposed expenditures total $35,484,141, which is $708,133 more than the current year's budget.
At first glance, Myers estimated the budget could maintain the current county mill levy of 38.118 mills, though that figure remains subject to change.
Myers said commissioners have previously expressed keeping the county mill levy unchanged. According to budget information presented, Ellis County currently has the 14th-lowest county mill levy in Kansas. Data from the Kansas Department of Revenue also shows Ellis County has the fourth-lowest residential effective tax rate among counties statewide when average county mill levy rates are used.
Myers said funding is also included for employee salary adjustments under the county's compensation policy. While the Social Security Administration's cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 has not yet been announced, budget stabilization funding has been set aside to potentially provide a mid-year cost-of-living adjustment for county employees.
For a full list of items on the 2027 budget, go to page 127 on the agenda.
The second draft will come back to the commission in the beginning of July with better estimates in regards to the tax base. Myers also said early public input gives commissioners more opportunity to consider community concerns during budget discussions.
“It is nice when the community comes in earlier in the process and asks questions as to why or what,” Myers said. “Instead of waiting at 11:59 the day that the vote is being done.”
Law enforcement center renovation
Commissioners approved a design-build contract with PWC and Tessere for renovations at the law enforcement center.
The project was awarded to PWC during the commission's May 19 meeting. Since then, county staff have met with representatives from PWC and Wichita-based Tessere to begin planning the first phase of renovations, which is expected to begin in mid-July.
SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Law Enforcement Center to begin renovation this summer
Myers said the Hays Police Department is expected to move from the facility toward the end of the year and approving the contract was the next step in the process.
Myers said County Counselor Bill Jeter has reviewed the contract for any of his legal concerns.
Firework discharge dates
With Independence Day approaching, commissioners approved the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County on July 2, 3 and 4 between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Commissioners discussed the county's history with fireworks-related incidents. Myers said the Ellis County Fire Department responded to one fireworks-related grass fire in 2025 and none in 2024.
“Fireworks have never really been a concern,” Commissioner Nathan Leiker said. “It's been some of the other major control burns that have been done that tend to cause stuff, but we've finally gotten some moisture, and I think we're OK.”
Other Business
• Patrick Smith, Kansas County Association Multiline Pool risk manager, presented Ellis County with a Risk Management Award in recognition of the county's efforts to reduce property loss and liability risks. the county received a $12,000 as par tof the award.
• Commissioners also approved the purchase of emulsion oil from Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc. for county road maintenance operations.
• The commission reappointed Jerry Mermis and Paul Dreiling to the Joint Planning Commission. They will serve three-year terms.
• Several county departments introduced new employees to commissioners.
Danita Schroeder introduced new EMT Trae Woolsey, who filled the final full-time position within the department. With Woolsey's addition, the EMT department is now fully staffed.
Director of Communications for the Ellis County Sheriff's Office Jeff Ridgeway introduced new employee Sabrina Mathies. Ridgeway said the department still has two positions left to fill.
Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay also introduced three new employees: Kevin Pfannenstiel, Brett Stokes and Chet Rudman.
In other business, commissioners approved the Tallgrass Solar Project.
SEE RELATED STORY: Proposed Ellis County solar facility's permit, contribution agreement approved