By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Ellis County commissioners accepted a $200,000 donation Tuesday from Tallgrass Development LLC to help replace outdated lighting throughout the Ellis County Fairgrounds.
Tallgrass representatives presented the check during the commission meeting. Those attending included Steve Link, project developer, and Robin Saiz, chief deveopment officer. Along with them was Chris McKissack, CEO of ibV and Tallgrass Development.
“We want to make sure that we give back to the community,” McKissack said. “And make sure we are a great citizen of this county as the project moves forward.”
Darin Myers, Ellis County administrator, said the donation was part of the conditional-use permit process for the Tallgrass solar project. He said Tallgrass wanted to support a project that would have a meaningful effect on the community, and the county identified the fairgrounds as a widely used public facility.
Myers said county staff conducted a foot-candle study to measure lighting levels throughout the fairgrounds, including nighttime visits. The study identified inadequate lighting, dark areas and potential safety concerns. Myers said the study covered RPM Speedway, the rodeo arena, the midway, and parking areas near the Schenk and Unrein buildings.
“Each one of those areas, believe it or not, is underlit and has dark spots and kind of some unsafe conditions,” Myers said. “In doing some research, we found out that we could make some improvements out there.”
Myers said many of the existing fixtures were installed about 18 years ago when RPM Speedway was established. The proposed $237,100 project was approved and efforts will be underway to replace exterior fixtures, add lighting in underlit areas and improve energy efficiency.
During public comments, Mike Werth, Ellis County resident, suggested instead, directing $100,000 toward local food banks because of the need within the county.
4-H Week Proclamation
Faith Schmeidler, a high school junior and 4-H member, and Brynlee Walter, a high school freshman and 4-H member, spoke about the organization’s effect on local youth. They were accompanied by Ben Sims, 4-H and youth development agent with the Cottonwood Extension District.
Ellis County Commissioner Michael Burgess read a proclamation recognizing Oct. 4–10 as National 4-H Week in Ellis County. The proclamation recognized 4-H’s work to develop leadership and prepare young people through its core values of head, heart, hands and health.
Tax Foreclosure proceedings
Commissioners unanimously authorized Ellis County Counselor Bill Jeter to initiate tax-foreclosure proceedings.
The action involves nine properties with a combined $81,437 in delinquent taxes, penalties and interest.
Jeter said state law requires the county to pursue the action. The process is conducted annually. During the previous two years, all outstanding taxes were paid before the scheduled sales occurred.
If a property proceeds to auction, Ellis County may bid up to the amount owed in taxes, interest and penalties. Jeter said private bidders have historically exceeded the county’s bids.
In other business
In other business, commissioners arrived at a consensus of agreement from a request from the Downtown Hays Development Group to install a holiday light display at the southwest corner of 13th and Main streets.
County Administrator Darin Myers said the group plans to obtain donations covering the display and related equipment. He said the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and county buildings and grounds staff did not identify concerns with the proposal.
Myers also said the display will not prevent local 4-H members from continuing to decorate two nearby trees during the holiday season.