By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will take another look at the 2022 draft budget during their work session Thursday evening.
Up for more discussion is funding for outside agencies, particularly Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC).
Commissioner Ron Mellick is opposed to allotting any money to DHDC next year. He believes the agency should be weaned off city funding and position itself for more financial support from downtown businesses.
DHDC is requested $54,000 from the city for 2022.
Commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from the July 15 work session in which no consensus was reached by the four remaining commissioners.
In other business, information about continued manhole rehabilitation will be presented.
The Department of Water Resources initiated a manhole rehabilitation program in 2018 to lengthen the lifespan of manholes needing repair.
"The 2021 program called for 46 manholes to be rehabbed," said Collin Bielser, asst. city manager.
"Mayer Specialty (Wichita) provided the low bid of $74,550. Our budget was $100,000 so we do expect to request full spending authority which should allow for 12 more manholes to be rehabbed," Bielser said.
Manhole rehabilitation is generally considered to have a 50-60 year lifespan, according to Jeff Crispin, director of water resources.
The complete Aug. 5 agenda is available here.
The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.