By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The city of Hays approved financing for three projects to create new businesses and expand others.
Ordinances to authorize issuing industrial revenue bonds for the expansion of Agiliti and Vernie's Trux-N-Equip. were unanimously approved by the city commission during its meeting on Thursday.
Agiliti leases the former Sizewise facility in south Hays and employs about 91 employees. The company plans to purchase the building and expand its campus, completing the $6.5 million project by the end of 2027. About 140 additional jobs will be added over five years at the medical equipment manufacturer.
The bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, would allow Agiliti to obtain a sales tax exemption for all construction-related purchases and a real property tax abatement for up to 10 years.
The new location of Vernies Trux-N-Equip. is at 48th Street and General Hays, site of the former Hays Livestock sales barn.
Vernie's is asking for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for the $2.2-million project, which is nearing completion. No property tax abatement is requested. A community improvement district is also being sought.
Exit 161 construction engineering contract
Bids were sought for construction engineering services for infrastructure construction, including water/sewer main extensions and street/intersection improvements to a city-owned 90-acre greenfield site at Interstate 70, Exit 161.
Commissioners approved the low bid of $38,632 from Driggs Design Group, PA, with the cost to be funded from general obligation bonds.
"There are some grant dollars involved, and this bond issue comes from debt that is rolling off, so there won't be any impact to property tax dollars," Toby Dougherty, city manager, said.
The infrastructure would serve 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development.
Pool reimbursement request
Following a review of its 2025 pool season operation, the Hays Recreation Commission requested a 50% reimbursement for its operating loss, as outlined in the pool services agreement with the city. City commissioners voted to pay $25,501 to the recreation commission from the 2025 General Fund Pool Budget.
CARE Council
Commissioners re-appointed Hays resident Hali Bielser to the CARE Council for a second two-year term.
Cereal malt beverage licenses
The 2026 cereal malt beverage city licenses for participating businesses were approved.
Citizen comments
Commissioners also heard from Ellis County Cottonwood Extension Agents Monique Koerner, Karissa Frasier and Tamara Roberts about their programs and upcoming projects for 2026.
Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of the Chamber in Hays, told the commission the chamber is circulating a petition to Hays residents urging the state Water Transfer Panel to hold the final hearing and approve the transfer application from Hays and Russell.
Mayor Sandy Jacobs and Commissioner Alaina Cunningham were absent from the meeting.