By KALEY LYON

Hays Daily News

Commissioners discussed progress toward a final decision regarding the proposed wind farm southwest of Hays at Monday's Ellis County Commission meeting.

Keith Pfannenstiel, who resides on Mount Pleasant Road, asked the county commissioners when they expect to vote on the issue.

"We don't have a definite date set yet, but I would say maybe the 27th of August or the Tuesday after Labor Day," said Chairman Vernon Berens.

The decision has been delayed by a string of circumstances. Commissioners had considered renting the Schenk Building, which was occupied with the Ellis County Fair and Shrine Bowl activities, he said.

Commissioner Perry Henman was then absent while on vacation, as was attorney Dennis R. Davidson, Berens said.

The commissioners are in the process of meeting individually with Davidson, who is serving as county counselor for the application, to discuss legal process and procedure.

Henman has met with the attorney, while appointments are pending for Berens and Dennis Pfannenstiel.

If Davidson is available next week, commissioners plan to announce a date at Monday's county commission meeting.

"Our position is, as soon as we get everything in order, we'll make a decision," Berens said. "We'll make a decision, one way or another."

Commissioners said they don't want to put off the decision any longer than necessary. At this point, it's likely the decision will be made Aug. 27, Pfannenstiel said.

"I'd be in favor of doing it prior to the end of the month," Pfannenstiel said.

Following the two-part Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing regarding the issue, there will not be a time for public comment during the county commission's meeting.

Rather, the commissioners will discuss the issue amongst themselves, make a motion and cast their votes, Pfannenstiel said.

Reporter Kaley Lyon can be reached at (785) 628-1081, Ext. 138, or by e-mail at klyon@dailynews.net.