Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will get their first look at the draft 2026 budget during their work session on Thursday.
Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman said the budget will maintain the current level of programs with no expansions.
Also on the agenda are two resolutions to issue bonds for infrastructure on city-owned property at Exit 161 of Interstate 70 and for the Grove development public infrastructure.
The city previously created the Grove Reinvestment Housing Improvement District and entered into a development agreement with Grow Hays to finance the public infrastructure related to the district. Approval of the resolution would allow the city to issue general obligation bonds to fund the public infrastructure improvements related to the incentive district and Exit 161.
The Grove public infrastructure costs are estimated to total $3.7 million. Based on future projections, the city estimates the incentive district increment will be sufficient to pay the debt service on bonds issued to fund public infrastructure, as well as the bonds issued to finance a related $825,000 economic development grant.
Anticipated costs of the Exit 161 infrastructure are about $4 million net of the proposed grant.
The complete July 3 agenda is available here. The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.