By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Ellis County Commissioners will consider proposed documents for the Tallgrass solar project west of Mount Pleasant and Yocemento Road during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.
Over the past several months, representatives from ibV Energy Partners have attended multiple commission meetings and public open houses to answer questions and gather community input. The county also hired legal and renewable energy consultants to assist with review of the project and development of draft agreements.
Commissioners will consider the proposed conditional use permit resolution and a contribution agreement connected to the project. Additional agreements, including road use and decommission plans, would still need to be completed if the project moves forward.
If approved and operational, county documents estimate Ellis County could receive about $1.1 million in the project’s first year. Representatives from ibV Energy Partners are expected to attend Tuesday’s meeting to answer questions.
SEE RELATED STORY: Solar developer answers Ellis County Commission questions.
2027 Budget
During the past month, county department heads and elected officials have been working to complete the first draft of the 2027 operating budget.
The first draft has an estimated total general fund revenues of about $31.6 million, an increase of $496,626 from the 2026 budget. General fund expenditures are estimated at about $35 million, an increase of $708,133 from 2026.
The County Clerk is expected to release updated property valuations on June 15. Once those figures are available, staff will be able to provide a more accurate estimate for the commissioners' review in advance of the July budget hearings.
Risk Management Award
Commissioners will also recognize the Ellis County Safety Committee for helping the county once again earn a Risk Management Award through the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool, the county’s insurance pool.
The county received $4,766 through the award program in 2025, though the 2026 award amount has not yet been announced.
Other Business
• Commissioners will also consider the purchase of asphalt emulsion oil for the 2026 asphalt maintenance plan.
• Commissioners will vote on allowing the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County.
• Commissioners will consider reappointing two current members to new three-year terms on the Joint Planning Commission.
• Introduction of new and promoted employees.
You can view the full agenda here.