By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission reviewed the process for funding outside agencies for the 2026 fiscal year, including an almost $82,000 requested increase from High Plains Mental Health Center.
Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, requested $378,603.
The request includes $305,993 in annual funding to support core mental health services and $72,609 for the new Crisis Intervention Center.
Poe said the 22-bed center remodeling project is expected to cost $5.4 million. The facility aims to relieve strain on state hospitals, such as Larned, and help reduce wait times for treatment.
"This facility is the only type that will be in any of the western half of the state," he said.
SEE RELATED STORY: High Plains Mental Health breaks ground on Crisis Intervention Center
Poe said 224 individuals in Ellis County were screened for crisis in 2024, and the new facility is expected to create 50 jobs. Entry-level positions will start at $19 per hour and offer full benefits.
Other agencies
Eight agencies submitted funding requests totaling about $1.22 million. The Care Council will review most of the requests and provide recommendations at a future meeting.
Five of those agencies presented to the commission on Tuesday.
Ellis County Historical Society
Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society, requested $140,000 for 2026, an increase of $40,000 from the organization’s 2025 funding.
Rupp said county funding is vital to the historical society’s efforts to operate programs, maintain and grow access to its collections, and support schools, researchers, and families.
Rupp said the society cut staff hours due to budget constraints and would like to restore those hours. The society has been drawing from reserves, but those are starting to be depleted.
The society is also hoping to open its Victoria location in 2026, and it will need to staff that new location.
"We will continue to find other ways to fund," she said.
Humane Society of the High Plains
Jessica Frieb, assistant manager of the Humane Society of the High Plains, requested $2,600, the same amount as last year.
Frieb said the Humane Society took in 54 dogs and 36 cats from Ellis County in 2024, with just 18% of strays returned to their owners. The average cost to care for each unclaimed animal, excluding emergency veterinary care, is $118.
"We are doing everything we can to help all of the animals within Ellis County and the Hays community, including the ones that are left without any help," Frieb said.
Ellis County Conservation District
Mary Pfeifer, chairperson of the Ellis County Conservation District, requested $72,646, with $61,896 for operations and $10,750 for cost-share programs.
"Our goal is to develop and implement programs to protect and conserve the natural resources in Ellis County," Pfeifer said.
Grow Hays
Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, requested $165,000 from the commission and said the county and surrounding communities play a vital role in the organization's mission.
"Without you all, we would not be able to function the way we are, and we wouldn't be able to have the success that I believe we've had," he said.
At a previous commission meeting, Williams updated the commission on ongoing projects and economic development efforts. DSNWK President Jerry Michaud also discussed the organization’s 2026 budget request of $250,000.
SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County administrator says mill levy likely to be stable in 2026