By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The two incumbents re-elected Tuesday as Hays city commissioners said they believe the city is in good shape and that most residents agree with them.
Shaun Musil, with 1,772 votes, and Sandy Jacobs, with 1,542 votes, will return to office. They'll both serve four-year terms.
Newcomer David Vilaysing was the third highest vote-getter at 1,340 votes and will serve a two-year term. Incumbent Reese Barrick was in fifth place with 1,137 votes.
Results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission on Nov. 12. Voter turnout was 22.56%.
Musil, 53, and an account representative for Nex-Tech, has served on the commission for 12 years. He has lived in Hays for 30 years.
Musil was at the Ellis County Administration Center as the ballots were brought in to be counted.
He thanked his supporters and said he "feels very blessed."
"You've got to listen to people and learn from those who don't like what you're doing. ... We need to adjust some things, but I think we're on the right path," Musil said.
He also hinted at future growth for the city.
"I think there's some really good things on the horizon that people are going to be very excited about," he said.
Jacobs, 75, a retired banker and Hays native, was also checking the ballot returns in person.
She's served eight years on the commission and wants to see the R9 long-term water project completed.
"I really appreciate the confidence that the community has continued to put into me," Jacobs said.
She talked about other things she wants to accomplish.
"Retail is really high on my list, and the workforce needs some attention," Jacobs said, noting that new projects are underway in both areas.
Vilaysing, 43, recently retired from the Hays Police Department after serving 19 years, was not at the administration center.
He was monitoring vote results from Oklahoma, where he was teaching a course to first responders about effective communication and leadership skills with his new company DXI Training Solutions.
Vilaysing said he was "a little surprised" at being elected and was "very eager to get to work," even as he expects to have to make adjustments to his out-of-town travel and work schedules to attend commission meetings.
He believes his law enforcement background and familiarity with city operations were key to his election.
Top issues Vilaysing said must be addressed include a secure water supply source and more affordable housing.
"Getting the R9 project finished and seen through is a 50- to 75-year resource. We need a permanent solution, if that means fighting the regulations at the state level," he said.
The commissioners will be sworn into office on Jan. 8, the first regular meeting of 2026. The governing body will also be reorganized.
The other two city commissioners who were not up for re-election are Alaina Cunningham and Mason Ruder.