By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will review the process for funding outside agencies for the 2026 fiscal year during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Eight agencies have submitted funding requests totaling about $1.23 million, a 15.7% increase from the 2025 budget. The Care Council will review most of the requests and present funding recommendations at a future meeting.
Last year, the commission authorized the Care Council to review the remaining agencies. Funding for these agencies is limited at the dollar equivalent of 3/10th of a mill.
Secured loads policy
Environmental Services Director Justin Craig will request a resolution to implement a secured loads policy at the Ellis County Landfill to address increasing concerns about roadway debris.
The policy is designed to reduce litter, improve public safety and address citizen complaints by enforcing load security standards.
If approved, the policy would be fully enforced starting April 1, 2026. Violators could be subject to a 50% surcharge on landfill fees and possible law enforcement involvement.
Alcohol funding request
Darin Myers, Ellis County Administrator, will request the commission to approve the distribution of alcohol funds.
One-third of the collected alcohol tax revenue is allocated for alcohol and drug programs. The CARE Council recommends dividing the $7,730 evenly between Dream Inc. and the Smoky Hill Foundation for Chemical Dependency.
Highway 40 and Main Street intersection in Victoria
John Schulte, Victoria Mayor, and Brendan Mackay, Public Works Director, will request financial assistance for reconstructing the East Main Street approach to Old Highway 40 in Victoria.
The approach is deteriorating, resulting in large potholes. The City of Victoria is asking the county to fund one-third of the total $124,685 cost.
Other business
Mackay will also seek approval to purchase 27,456 gallons of CRS-1HP asphalt emulsion oil for the Catharine Road reconstruction project, which will cost about $74,400.
Craig will request the commission to reappoint David McDaniel and Mason Ruder to new three-year terms on the Joint Planning Commission beginning July 1. Their current terms end on June 30.
An Ellis County resident will ask the commission for guidance on initiating improvements and establishing regular maintenance for a privately accessed oil lead road in northeast Ellis County.
Myers will request a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for all Ellis County employees, elected officials and contract positions. The adjustment follows the Social Security Administration's 2025 cost-of-living rate.