Athletic prowess
Government works best when bureaucratic lines dividing troughs of money are discarded.
Local, state and federal divisions of government has shown repeatedly that partnerships save taxpayers money and forge stronger relationships.
One of the best local examples is the renovated Law Enforcement Center, which jointly houses the Ellis County Sheriff's Department and the Hays Police Department.
The project resulted in a fine facility, updated technology and improved use of space. If the two departments had not worked together, however, the result could have been much different. Two separate sites -- possibly on the outskirts of town where land is readily available -- would have been much more expensive and left another gaping hole in the heart of the city.
As it is, taxpayer money was used as efficiently as possible, and the police forces of Hays and Ellis County continue to make their home in city center.
Fort Hays State University and the city of Hays have another chance to at least examine a similar partnership.
FHSU wants to build a soccer stadium on land leased by the city, displacing the buffalo herd on the southwest side of town. Hays is in the early stages of considering a recreation facility with several fields for multiple sports.
The two proposals seemingly go hand in hand.
While the logistics of scheduling college soccer at a site used by pee-wee leagues, middle schoolers and others would need to be examined closely, a joint facility seems to make fiscal sense -- even more if either Hays High School or Thomas More Prep-Marian High School showed interest in joining the partnership.
One planner, one designer, one general contractor, one parking lot, one irrigation system to keep arid land green: While the price tag would be higher than for one FHSU soccer field, those procedural savings could save both entities money than if the projects were undertaken separately.
It's at least worth a brainstorming session to discuss feasibility. The result could be another gem in northwest Kansas -- and the buffalo won't have to roam.
Editorial by Ron Fields
All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Opinions certainly can be expressed, but comments that are rude, abusive, slanderous, threatening, sexually oriented, contain profanity or are vulgar will not be tolerated. Comments will not be edited. Any comment that violates the above-listed rules will be deleted.
