By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Health insurance rates for Ellis County employees are expected to increase by less than anticipated.
The Ellis County Commission will vote on the insurance contract renewals for employees during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.
The premium changes cover health, dental and vision. Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums would increase by 3.6% over 2025 rates, which is below the 7% increase budgeted and would create about $42,500 in general fund savings for 2026.
Water well agreement
The commission will be asked to approve an agreement granting AMP Rentals temporary access to a county-owned water well, allowing for the well's use until a rural water meter is obtained from the Trego County Rural Water District.
The water would be used for limited business and personal purposes, with all expenses and compliance obligations covered by Adam Pray, with Platinum Builders, or the future landowner.
ACCESS Transportation
ACCESS Transportation will request the commission’s approval to sign letters of support for its program, which uses the county’s annual subsidy as matching funds for state transportation grants.
For 2026, the county has budgeted $50,000 in its General Fund for ACCESS Transportation.
Because of increasing costs, ACCESS is still facing a budget shortfall for 2026.
Grant amendment
The commission will review and decide whether to approve and sign an amendment to the Build 2019 Grant for the Northwest Business Corridor Truck Route Improvements Project.
The amendment would not change the project's scope or total cost but updates the agreement to account for final project costs and extends the timeline for post-construction performance measures.
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Other business
The commission will consider approving an updated job description for the IT Director position. Approval would allow HR to begin advertising the position on Nov. 1.
The commission will consider approving a list of surplus vehicles and equipment to be sold through an auction, including a fire engine from Victoria.
The Hays Chamber of Commerce will provide an update on the efforts of the Ellis County Workforce Committee and the Child Care Taskforce.
Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission will provide an update on what the organization is doing in the area.
You can view the full agenda here.