By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Two ordinances supporting the proposed development of a new 24/7 Travel Store at Interstate 70, Exit 157, will be presented during the Hays City Commission work session on Thursday.
Triplett, Inc., the Salina-based developer, has asked the city for a 20-year, pay-as-you-go Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and a Community Improvement District (CID) to levy a 2% sales tax.
The developer estimated the TIF District would generate about $4.5 million, and the CID sales tax would generate about $2 million.
In addition, the developer requested the issuance of industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) to finance the $11.1 million project for a sales tax exemption on purchases related to the construction of the travel store. The IRBs are estimated to provide a benefit of $125,687.
Once open, the travel store is anticipated to create $5 million in annual taxable retail sales and $20 million in annual gas/diesel sales.
Triplett already operates a smaller 24/7 Travel Store at 3601 Vine in Hays.
The commission will also:
• Discuss possible conversion of one-way streets in downtown Hays to two-way streets
• Discuss the proposed 2027 budget
• Hear an update on activities at the Ellis County Historical Society and Museum from Amanda Rupp, executive director
The complete April 2 agenda is available here.
The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.