After reading Bob Schibi's letter to the editor in Friday's edition of The Hays Daily News, I felt I needed to respond with following:

First, the Hadley project is not a $10 million project. The current county commissioners passed a resolution to issue public building commission bonds not to exceed $5 million.

Second, there will be seven county departments relocated to this facility, provided the issue passes in the November general election. They are, namely: county clerk, county commission chambers, county treasurer, county appraiser, register of deeds, information technology department and the environmental department, not five departments as mentioned in Mr. Schibi's letter.

Third, I am convinced that Mr. Schibi's main concern about the possible move to the Hadley Center is the money. He stands to lose $18,000 annually. Ellis County currently rents office space from Mr. Schibi, which would end if the county relocates these departments to the existing courthouse.

Finally, I can not speak for the other two commissioners, but should the issue fail in the November general election, I will honor the will of the people and eliminate this project totally. One of the main reasons I have supported this project is for the county offices to remain in the downtown district. Other reasons include creating an additional courtroom, space for a jury room and rooms for attorney-clients, but most of all for the security of the courthouse. What is the cost of a serious accident or loss of a life, due to the lack of security in our courthouse? I want the citizens to know why I support the Hadley project; however, if the issue is defeated we can seek other options in the future.

I hope this clarifies my stand on this issue.

Dennis J. Pfannenstiel

Ellis County Commission, 2nd District