By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will have a public hearing before adopting the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.
The hearing provides taxpayers with the chance to give input on the general fund and fire district, both of which exceed the revenue-neutral rate, as well as a proposed mill levy increase of 1.96 mills.
Personnel policy change for retiree insurance
The county will be asked to approve a personnel policy change regarding retiree health insurance, as mandated by a Kansas statute.
The law requires local governments that offer health insurance also to make the coverage available to retirees and their dependents, provided they apply within 30 days of retirement and meet other eligibility requirements. Coverage ends when the retiree reaches 65 years old.
New electronic health record for Ellis County Health Department
The county health department will request approval to purchase a new electronic health record system, replacing an outdated one. The five-year purchase price of about $77,100 will be prepaid using Workforce Development Grant funds.
Other business
A homeowner will request approval from the commission to use a county easement in Commerce Estates to build a private road that would provide access to his property. No county funds or assistance will be asked for.
You can view the full agenda here.