By GAYLE WEBER

gweber@dailynews.net

Hays resident Tom Haas isn't opposed to Ellis County hiring its first county administrator. He's adamantly opposed. And he made his voice heard during Monday night's Ellis County Commission meeting.

Haas requested time from Commission Chairman Vernon Berens in order to speak his mind on the issue, which came to a head last week when commissioners signed a contract with Overland Park-based Austin Peters Group to help the county find its first executive.

"There's limitations to everything," Haas said. "Maybe we need to look at working with the city. I guess you're doing some of that now. I think we need to look at consolidating services before spending this money."

Commissioners have budgeted $127,000 for the administrator position this year, including expenses such as office space and supplies. The consulting contract with Austin Peters Group is worth at least $11,200.

Haas said he'd like to see commissioners conduct a town-hall meeting allowing other residents like him to voice their opinions about the position that Commissioner Glenn Diehl hopes, eventually, will save the county money.

"I think he can find efficiencies that we haven't even scratched the surface on," Diehl said.

Still, Haas said he believes the county can save money now by not hiring the administrator.

"I'll pay my share, but I don't want to waste any," Haas told commissioners after challenging Diehl to write a check from his own bank account to fund the position.

"I think we need to work for the benefit of everyone, but spend it like it's coming out of your own pocket," Haas said.