By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
An Ellis County resident voiced concerns during the Ellis County Commission meeting on Tuesday regarding the proposed $3.5 million EMS and fire station project in Ellis.
During public comment, Ellen Riedel told commissioners she believes county funds could also be directed toward other needs, including school, road and city improvements.
Riedel said she supports emergency services and is not opposed to the proposed fire station and EMS project. However, she questioned whether the facility could be completed at a lower cost, allowing remaining funds to be used for additional county priorities.
“Are you aware that our grocery store just closed?” Reidel said to commissioners. “Our high school has gone to an eight man football team. If we don't get kids in that school, it could go to a six man. Our town is doing this, it's shrinking.”
Rediel said she met with current firefighters and EMS services and have the backing from them. Reidel also came in with about 300 signatures from Ellis residents who are not in favor of spending that amount of money on a new facility, instead fix the ones they have.
Commissioner Nathan Leiker responded during the discussion, acknowledging concerns about county spending priorities while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining emergency service infrastructure.
County Administrator Darin Myers, who is also the county fire chief, added the $3.5 million figure was only an initial estimate. After reviewing potential reductions and removing certain project costs, Myers said about $1.2 million could be accounted for, bringing the projected cost down from the original estimate.
Commissioner Michael Berges also spoke on Reidel's comments about road improvements.
“It's part of our road projects over the next 13 years that we've outlined, and these are projects that us as a commission are on our capital plan for the next 10 years,” Berges said. “And what we've essentially done is move those projects forward to take care of them now, because we don't have to raise taxes to do it.”
Rediel went on to outline that property taxes and valuations are increasing.
Berges said next week the commission is going to discuss how Mills are affecting property taxes in Ellis County.
In Other Business
- Ellis County commissioners discussed a request from the Schoenchen City Council regarding the possible transfer of ownership for a small piece of property in Schoenchen. Kyle Zimmerman with the city of Schoenchen attended the meeting to present the request. If approved, county staff will work with legal counsel to begin the process, with final documents expected to come before the commission at a future meeting. Plans for surveying the land are in place.
- Ellis County commissioners approved a request from Leo Dorzweiler to rename the Deutschefest Hall at the Ellis County Fairgrounds to the Loran Zimmerman and Unsere Leute Deutschefest Meeting Room. The request was made to recognize the late Loran Zimmerman’s contributions, including his time, financial support and efforts in developing the fairgrounds.
- Ellis County welcomed several new employees. The Public Works Department has added Weston Pfeifer to its team. The Ellis County Treasurer’s Office welcomed Ashlee Parker and the Ellis County Health Department added Bobie Jennings.