By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will talk about possible increases in trash rates for customers during their Thursday work session.
According to staff, expenses within the Solid Waste Division have steadily gone up during recent years.
Solid waste services include refuse collection, recycling collection, compost operations, the annual fall cleanup and tree disposal.
The city is paying higher hauling and sorting fees for recyclables, increased tipping fees at the Ellis County Landfill, rising personnel costs, and much higher costs for heavy equipment.
The last solid waste rate increase was in 2019. Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, said the solid waste reserve fund is not being fully funded because of the revenue shortfall.
Kuckelman said the 2027 budget includes increased revenue representing an implemented rate increase.
Staff has recommended a graduated rate increase beginning with the first billing cycle in December 2026. Staff, however, does not have a formal recommendation for a rate increase structure.
Pteranodon Addition final plat
Commissioners will also hear from Planning and Development Superintendent Curtis Deines regarding the final plat for Pteranodon Addition.
The property is currently the site of the city's tree farm, near 22nd and Commerce Parkway just south of Interstate 70. A project that extends infrastructure across interstate has created the opportunity to develop the property, which would require platting.
The Hays Area Planning Commission approved the final plat during its Oct. 19 meeting.
The complete Nov. 5 agenda is available here.
The work session begins at 4 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.