News

Hays Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman used her time during the City’s June 17, 2025, Press Briefing to urge residents to use water conservation measures through the summer.

The Hays City Commission on June 12, 2025, authorized a $590,944 property/liability insurance package renewal for effective July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026. Finance Director Kim Rupp, who presented the renewal for approval, stated that the renewal cost was increased 30% increased ($136,723) more than the prior period, the result of he called “a perfect storm.” Rupp stated that the three factors which contributed to the rate increase did include overall insurance market trends.

Parks Director Jeff Boyle confirmed for Commissioner Reese Barrick that a general burial will now cost a family $1040 for a full space (total cost for space, opening burial and monument setting fees.) during the June 12, 2025, Hays City Commission meeting. Boyle, who presented the fee increase and Ordinance updates, reminded the Commission that no fee increases have been implemented in over 20 years for the city-owned cemeteries, Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Mount Allen Cemetery.

The $47,773 purchase of a new Welcome Center marquee from Commercial Sign, the lowest of two bids received by the City of Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau was approved by the Hays City Commission on June 12, 2025. The sign will replace the LED video board and static panels on the Welcome Center marquee sign currently on Vine Street.

The early registration deadline is approaching for the Sixth Annual Tour Die Kapellen—Tour of the Chapels—either by bicycle or bus, scheduled for Saturday, July 12.

At the end of the June 12, 2025, Hays City Commission Regular Meeting, Mayor Sandy Jacobs reported that a discussion of a Backyard Chicken Ordinance, including the results of the City’s recent resident survey of the subject was scheduled for the June 19, 2025, Work Session and a vote the following week. However, she asked Commissioners’ preferences on whether to delay until July, either the Work Session discussion or the Regular Meeting vote or both, due to upcoming scheduled Commissioner vacations.