By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the county's Rural Opportunity Zone status during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.
Although the county was designated as one in 2021, changes in state law mean it is no longer eligible for the program starting this year.
Designation under the program can help reduce the cost of living and provide financial incentives to new residents, including student loan repayment assistance and a five-year state income tax waiver.
The county must continue making payments to previously approved student loan program participants as long as they remain eligible.
Generally accepted accounting principles
The commission will be asked to approve a resolution requesting a waiver from generally accepted accounting principles.
If the county does not waive the standards, it would need to hire staff to manage the additional workload. Approving the waiver would not affect the county’s ability to issue bonds in 2026.
2026 salary adjustments
Commissioners will be asked to approve a resolution adjusting salaries for elected officials for 2026.
The adjustments follow a countywide pay study and a 2024 compensation policy, ensuring elected officials’ salaries remain competitive with market rates.
Other business
The commission will be asked to approve a resolution to update and formally establish a county policy for moving buildings, structures and other oversized loads on county roads.
The commission will be asked to renew the appointment of Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder to the Region One EMS Council.
Bobbi Dreiling, county clerk, will request approval and signage of the 2026 departmental inventory report.
Commissioners will be asked to approve updated job descriptions for the public works department and the solid waste division.
You can view the full agenda here.