By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners are hopeful at least one of the four developers who want to build low-income housing in the city will be successful in securing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
It's a highly competitive process, said Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, at Thursday's city commission meeting.
Commissioners were told earlier by developers that there are 100 counties competing for the state credits and a county can have up to two successful applicants.
If no credits are awarded, all of the developers have said they likely would not continue with their proposed projects.
To show support for the applications, city commissioners unanimously agreed to two more resolutions of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds (IRBs), specifically for sales tax exemptions during construction.
An IRB issuance does not count against the city’s debt limit or affect its debt rating and does not require taxpayer commitment.
Zimmerman Properties, LLC, Springfield, Missouri, wants to build 48 units in three buildings at 400 W. 48th, just east of Carrico Implement. Construction cost of the Willow Grove project is estimated at $9.3 million. The IRB value is about $154,000.
The second low-income housing project request of an issuance of IRBs came from Old Town Development, Inc., Missouri. The company hopes to construct 36 units east of the intersection of 22nd Street and Cumberland Drive. The area is east of Bright Minds Academy.
The construction cost estimate for Wheatland Commons is $12.51 million. The IRB value is about $211,050.
An earlier request for IRBs by another developer was approved April 25.
The $9-million Pioneer Run project west of the Hilton Garden Inn on West 45th Street would involve construction of 48 units and a clubhouse, as well as road extensions, parking and internal site improvements.
The developer, Overland Property Group, sought the IRB sales tax exemption, estimated at $147,962, to help with its tax credit application.
"Let's hope they get it," said Sandy Jacobs, commissioner.
Mason Ruder, mayor, said, "I think there's a need."
The most recent housing study conducted for the city of Hays shows a shortage of low-income housing.
The announcement of award winners is expected toward the end of summer.
Street reconstruction design contract
Jess Rohr, public works director, presented a low bid of $94,400 for an engineering services contract with Driggs Design Group, PA, Hays, for major reconstruction of portions of 22nd Street, General Hays Road and Oak Street.
The streets are about 65 years old and a mixture of concrete and asphalt, Rohr said.
Commissioners approved the contract. The repair work would be done in 2027 and 2028.
Sunrise Park improvements
An update of improvements at Sunrise Park, 19th Street and MacArthur Road, by the service group Women Who Lead, was presented by board members Ruth Ruder and Mary Ann Shorman.
"Phase 1 included a 9-hole disc golf course," Ruder said, "ballfield improvements, new signage, lights and trash cans, parent-child swings, and a kiosk."
Shorman handed out hot pink discs with the Women Who Lead logo on it to the commissioners.
Ruder said, the "basketball court is finished. I was there the other night and there was an entire family playing on it, which was fun to watch."
Individual pieces of new playground equipment for Phase 2 have been ordered with estimated installation the week of June 22.
Watch the entire May 14, 2026 Hays City Commission meeting below.