By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission reviewed ongoing challenges with road maintenance and right-of-way limitations during its Tuesday meeting.
Many roads, especially lesser-traveled or non-Federal Aid System routes, were constructed with narrow statutory rights-of-way that are inadequate for modern equipment or proper drainage.
Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director, identified county roads affected by these issues.
"Each one needs to be considered individually, as well as all the roadways that are narrow with no shoulders, no ditches or minimal ditches," Mackay said.
Commissioner Nathan Leiker suggested dividing the county into multiple regions to better review and prioritize road maintenance.
"I think we need to establish a project manager and maybe a group that can go through it... a team of people to look through the list and make suggestions to us," Leiker said.
The commission agreed to keep working toward establishing a formal process.
Munjor road improvements
Mackay discussed with the commission whether to close or construct the unpaved portion of Don Street in Munjor and an adjacent alley.
Adjacent property owners have requested the road be closed to stop unauthorized traffic on private land. At the same time, another resident has asked for the road to be paved and the alley improved.
David Vilaysing of Hays, who operates an Airbnb at the property, spoke to the commission and said he wants his guests to park behind the home, which would require access to the alley.
Ellis County has neither maintained nor upgraded its alleys, nor has it constructed platted roads that were left unpaved when they were initially accepted. Building the road would be costly due to the need for utility relocation and drainage considerations.
The commission discussed potential liability issues if any action were taken. The Hays resident’s alternative suggestion was to leave the alley as is, which the commission agreed to, unless problems continue.
Highway 40 and Main Street intersection in Victoria
The commission resumed discussions on Victoria's request for financial assistance in reconstructing the East Main Street approach to Old Highway 40. Commissioner Michael Berges said he is now open to offering assistance after previously voting against the proposal.
"I got a better visual of it," Berges said. "I'd be comfortable with $25,000."
The commission will make a motion at its meeting on July 1.
2026 county commission budget
The commission reviewed its proposed 2026 departmental budget, which includes a $1,600 reduction from the previous year. Darin Myers, county administrator, said while overall expenses remain mostly unchanged, some adjustments were made.
Key budget items include commissioner salaries, legal services and about $19,000 in dues and memberships.
Myers said Ellis County is no longer eligible for the Rural Opportunity Zone, but must continue to pay for past applicants until 2027.
Other business
The commission reviewed and provided feedback on desired changes to the first draft of the 2026 departmental budget.
Lyle Pantle, Ellis County assistant fire chief, requested the commission to adopt the March 2025 update to the county’s Local Emergency Operations Plan. The update includes minor changes and new features, such as a mapper tool for disaster response coordination.
The commission also approved assistance for the city of Ellis, utilizing Ellis County equipment and labor, for a chip seal project that would take less than a day.