By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will hear funding requests from several outside agencies during its regularly scheduled meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The annual presentations are part of the county's budget planning process. Each year, outside organizations seeking county support present their funding requests during the second commission meeting in June for consideration in the upcoming budget cycle.
In 2024, county commissioners approved a new process for reviewing requests from outside agencies. Under the policy, the Care Council reviews funding applications and provides recommendations to the commission. Beginning in 2025, funding for outside agencies is capped at an amount equivalent to three-tenths of a mill annually.
The Care Council is expected to present its recommendations for 2027 funding allocations to the county commission at a future meeting.
Organizations scheduled to request funding include:
- Grow Hays
- Humane Society
- Ellis County Historical Society of the High Plains
- High Plains Mental Health Center
- Ellis County Conservation District
- Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK)
- Kid Link (DSNWK)
- ACCESS Transportation (DSNWK)
- ACCESS Transportation Additional Support (DSNWK)
Commissioners will consider the requests as they continue discussions on future county budget priorities and funding allocations.
Ellis County District Court audio/video grant
The Ellis County Commission is expected to consider a purchase order for a technology upgrade project at the Ellis County Courthouse during its upcoming meeting.
The project follows the award of a $104,072 grant from the Office of Judicial Administration to the Ellis County District Court for courtroom audio and video improvements. The upgrades are intended to modernize two courtrooms and expand the courthouse's ability to conduct hybrid hearings.
Grant funds will also be used to convert the current Municipal Court courtroom into a fully functional fourth courtroom. The room lacks microphones and recording equipment. Planned improvements include installation of recording technology.
Court officials said the project will also improve courthouse security by reducing the need to transport inmates through other areas of the courthouse.
Other Business
- Max Dibble has filed to run for the upcoming Kansas House District 110 seat, which Rep. Ken Rahjes currently holds. Dibble will re-introduce himself to the commissioners.
- Marilyn Braun of the Victoria Community Coalition will give an update to the County Commission on their continued progress with their projects in Victoria.
- Commissioners will also take action on special alcohol funding for the Ellis County Historical Society.
- Commissioners will also take action on compensation policy updates given by Jennifer Taylor.