[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6163619,"mediaKeyId","5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c","parentId",5433726,"title","Ellis County will add 50% surcharge for unsecured loads; Hays officials plan resident outreach","audioSeconds",350,"startMs",2406000,"endMs",2756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c&start=2406&end=2756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c/thumbnail_2406000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6163619/Hays-City/Ellis-County/Kansas/Ellis-County-will-add-50-surcharge-for-unsecured-loads-Hays-officials-plan-resident-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163619-0e4b3d2e6150571ff4e456db993779f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156991&Signature=KcHbsscmLIaa6FvSbpiYectOmYx1U7G~5jZ-YZDSJtpW~7R45LPVl52pdQJ7pPuyDw9Ti0LL76np6AX2FcXpMRwuXliQFJabUSpiifCpAyCu1Id9a2n2jN1JEQoYbWzUTky2JBLmCsQjoHExeZgqAOxKmFbO5rGxU6IBAPPupwuyc0mERPf4S4hhr-y8b6gxHDgebcFxrIcil46~8fXCOHJ2cRAAwY8xeVSfIO5fvoUTbpMzTi7BHpeKs2XmMc6mtHxK5G2-XAUSBl-uq0qVRr3AgCxoXrTRZsZ-MAyRR81Eqjb-AOZYgbSePLHc~eN4wio2aqNLYV~MNpe8BwDz9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Hays, Kansas","date","2025-06-12T00:00:00Z","article","During commission comments on June 12, a Hays official updated the commission on a recent Ellis County Commission decision to change landfill fees: beginning Jan. 1 the county will add a 50% surcharge to the regular landfill fee for loads deemed \"unsecured,\" with an initial warning period in the first months of implementation.

The speaker, identified in the transcript as Toby, told commissioners the change responds to repeated occurrences of trash and debris falling from trailers and pickups en route to the Ellis County landfill and that North Paul 40 First has been one corridor that experiences litter from unsecured loads. The county will require all vehicles to go across the scale so landfill staff can determine if a load is secured; unsecured loads will be charged the regular fee plus 50% of that fee. The county plans a grace period and is installing cameras to document loads and support enforcement.

Toby said the change will affect Hays residents who haul municipal waste, construction debris and tree limbs. Hays has an agreement allowing residents to drop limbs for free at the landfill if they follow county rules; the new policy will require those residents to go across the scale and secure their loads to avoid surcharge. James (staff) will assist with public relations and outreach to inform residents of the change.

Commissioners asked whether the county provided a definition of \"secured.\" Toby said the county did define secured and will rely on camera documentation; commissioners noted some subjectivity will remain on enforcement and advised robust resident education.

No formal action by the Hays City Commission was taken; the item was an informational update and commissioners directed staff to coordinate public messaging ahead of the county implementation date.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Hays [Commission Meeting]- June 12, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners heard an update that the Ellis County Commission will add a 50% surcharge for unsecured loads at the landfill beginning Jan. 1, with an initial warning period; Hays staff will coordinate public information and note enforcement relies on landfill operator judgments and cameras.","taxTitle","Hays City, Ellis County, Kansas","taxId",52149,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163624,"Commission approves $44,773 replacement of CVB welcome‑center marquee sign",251,2190000,2441000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c&start=2190&end=2441","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c/thumbnail_2190000.jpg","/articles/6163624/Hays-City/Ellis-County/Kansas/Commission-approves-44773-replacement-of-CVB-welcomecenter-marquee-sign","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163624-fa4a62234fecd0cf84367f3af67cdd98/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156991&Signature=g266vd1--G6m73tKN7PKMIkpqkqfTM5dZjJflIipQaNDDS6oAbalaiMeGhhGW~gHEZUzXqDRYh3VEMYW08ij3eLgTY4cRhpI-6E2-UCxof9CiTITHmtXfdnNKkiIt-wZMmu8q9yZaN4kAywch30Q1IBp8mhMuH8WT1H9wgYTAToPeB8yTdYRJsMIGjykuXeHY5SvIaKrhmEL8ZOuKeK2AjtME2Rg1v1EIpVdVJ7bfnsQTRPH9LZJZbv9XYwf7bpYkAL7Xc7HG-HadODb~zAPh4j9HGa4U3d6UXrwd-1wrBMgazV6LG7KnHUklOsH1Ac9v2BIMcYPDqj-G-mTpP-9sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hays City Commission on June 12 authorized the Convention and Visitors Bureau to replace the city’s 25‑foot marquee sign on Vine Street, approving a $44,773 contract with the low bidder to install a double‑sided 10 millimeter LED message center and new static sign panels. Funding will come from CVB reserves.

Melissa Dixon, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the existing board and flat panels were installed in 2007; the LED video board’s support software is no longer updated and the panel stopped updating after about 16 years. Dixon noted that the intersection sees about 18,000 vehicles a day, citing Kansas Department of Transportation traffic data, and said the sign is a high‑visibility location to promote community events and welcome visitors.

Two bids were opened on May 13: Commercial Sign (Hays) and Lumineo Signs (Hutchinson). Dixon said the selected electronic board is manufactured by Watchfire in Danville, Indiana, which she said should simplify service and parts availability.

A motion \"to authorize the purchase of a double sided 10 millimeter LED message center and static sign panels at a cost of $44,773 and fund the project from CVB reserves\" was moved by Commissioner Breuder and seconded by Commissioner Cunningham. The motion passed 4‑0.

Commissioners said they welcomed restoring the sign’s messaging capability; Dixon confirmed the new board will match the existing physical size and provide updated resolution for messages.

","The Hays City Commission authorized purchase of a double‑sided 10mm LED message center and new static panels for the Welcome Center marquee at a cost of $44,773, to be funded from Convention & Visitors Bureau reserves.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163629,"Hays commission adopts cemetery ordinance updates and raises certain fees after 20 years",810,1403000,2213000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c&start=1403&end=2213","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c/thumbnail_1403000.jpg","/articles/6163629/Hays-City/Ellis-County/Kansas/Hays-commission-adopts-cemetery-ordinance-updates-and-raises-certain-fees-after-20-years","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163629-2b985322d9210a1dd995e5a54eb0d46a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156991&Signature=b5o8vrGJEQj2Uc1EcWuy0oPqbHYQta6Dh0Ry5bQzJBEXc-EYh-juW7FjRaWqIpHrKhTzwci5upxMoUOmrH5UC~RZBl8UH-tkY5OSy0fNYvoP3txCPBkh5XBZMZE2sUHCi1piWGma1~AAf8QYbG4N8cRth6JqlOH~kdIe-BTQXGie9d9kxhSZgp4Q0nl5Fff9K~mn58LGmdR0TTzZqdBG4OWqiFnmVtxQqWfZgflDUvE8ojcyQmpUebzP5blCD4s62Wcsx0568FEu3JP8LlN459poI3IK7OMyzmWhQcJ0vZ5~vtOMfmhN6fwlmweEcVHlvryhXXn-ZOb19tJddWzYTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hays City Commission on June 12 adopted Ordinance No. 4,073, approving amendments to Articles 1, 2 and 3 of Chapter 17 of the city code that revise cemetery procedures, clarify headstone and interment requirements and increase several fees that have not been changed in more than 20 years.

Jeff Boyle, Director of Parks, said the code cleanup removes outdated language (for example, references to grazing horses), clarifies requirements that state law requires (including a cemetery certificate signed by the mayor), standardizes notice timelines for interments and disinterments, and adds explicit headstone rules for Memorial Garden Cemetery. \"We have not implemented any fee increases in over 20 years,\" Boyle said, and the proposed changes move many fees to roughly the \"mid pack\" level compared with peer communities.

Specific operational clarifications include requiring 16 days' notice for interments and 10 days for disinterments, a prohibition on interments on Sundays and city‑recognized holidays, and requiring interment permits to specify the interment type and cremation urn size where applicable so staff can prepare grave openings or confirm columbarium compatibility.

Boyle discussed columbarium disinterments and the practical challenges of removing urns; he said anchor bolts and plates can be difficult to work and often require two staff members. He said the proposed columbarium opening fee and grave opening fees were increased because of the time and staff work involved. Boyle gave examples: the proposed fee to open an existing grave to set an urn is $250 in the proposed schedule, and the city will charge $450 when opening a columbarium niche in some cases; total family cost for a full burial under the proposal would be about $1,040 when combining the space, opening and monument‑setting fees.

Commissioners discussed the scale of increases, particularly for infant spaces, where Boyle said the existing city prices were very low and available inventory at Mount Allen Cemetery is limited. Boyle and the commission agreed to update fee schedules at least every other year.

A motion \"to adopt Ordinance number 4,073, approving the proposed amendments to certain sections of articles 1, 2, and 3 in chapter 17 of the city code of ordinances governing city cemeteries as presented\" was moved by Commissioner Cunningham and seconded by Commissioner Breuder. The motion passed 4‑0.

Boyle said the city does not expect the cemeteries to become revenue‑positive but expects the increases to move fees closer to peer communities and reduce the subsidy gap. The commission also directed staff to review fee schedules biennially.

","The commission adopted Ordinance No. 4,073 to amend sections of city code Chapter 17 governing city cemeteries, updating language, tightening permit timelines and increasing several fees that had not been changed in more than two decades.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163635,"Hays renews property‑liability insurance for 2025–26 at about $590,944 after large weather losses",645,589000,1234000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c&start=589&end=1234","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c/thumbnail_589000.jpg","/articles/6163635/Hays-City/Ellis-County/Kansas/Hays-renews-propertyliability-insurance-for-202526-at-about-590944-after-large-weather-losses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163635-8ad8cd8f01586c677372e4e7919abf94/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156991&Signature=MG67rxCxbVOxwf-PNKlLfmjpcIlAMkxf-kbygZuEwiPr3LAmWN15qFmB42D6-ALBVD7vqV0ziq3VQMYE1TiKtb~im4wj~LN0PoQ1HH6NjUF9yU2~N52VGDzMZHzDVxLKYszFSSGYc2DJ9oJTNmvtTDB0pzLRDCMlaO2Ke4IcmSFNfQSyIFPUwFlrQf1ycGXWLbFTI9VhQJkeKaIqhbNM3XlEQM8fTcC-prEtFMQNayzACr1qSnqDRa65G6ts4N2zlsLpP3BnXPJgVKxiXJDJg7gwtNihGQaRSS12rjDrPnDCx-Aejwia5vCUtMM4GvTEkoXqfT3q2HGDFrVO86vprQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hays City Commission on June 12 authorized renewal of the city's 2025–26 property and liability insurance package in the amount of $590,944.

Kim Rupp, Director of Finance, told commissioners the city completed a reappraisal after construction‑cost increases since 2018 and that insured values rose substantially: buildings and contents increased by roughly $12.6 million and $12.1 million respectively, vehicles rose about $1.9 million to account for new police vehicles, and equipment and other property were adjusted to reflect recently added items. \"This reappraisal has corrected that,\" Rupp said.

Rupp and pool representatives noted the renewal reflects three main drivers: (1) rate adjustments after a high loss ratio for the pool, (2) updated insured values from the reappraisal, and (3) tougher market conditions that can produce higher deductibles or percentage deductibles. The city's pool experienced more than $3,000,000 in storm‑related claims in 2021 and 2024, which Rupp said resulted in a 244% loss ratio. That experience, she said, pushed the city toward a renewal increase of about $136,000 (roughly 30%). Rupp said some deductibles were increased at renewal, including a property deductible that moved from $25,000 to $50,000.

Rupp noted benefits provided by the pool (NPR), including complimentary legal services, Lexipol policy tools used by the police department and on‑site risk management visits. She also said the city will put its insurance package on the open market next year and explore self‑insurance or hybrid models.

Commissioner Cunningham asked how many years of lower claims would be needed to see premium relief; Rupp said claims begin to fall off after about three years and that the 2021 claims should be rolling off the calculation in the next renewal cycle. Commissioners asked staff to continue exploring market options and self‑insurance structures.

A motion \"to authorize the city manager to renew the 2025–2026 property liability coverages package in the amount of $590,944 to be funded from the intergovernmental insurance line items\" was moved by Commissioner Cunningham and seconded by Commissioner Barrack. The motion passed 4‑0.

Rupp recommended continued review of claims, department repairs and possible self‑insurance approaches to limit future premium pressure.

","The commission authorized renewal of the city’s 2025–26 property and liability insurance package for $590,944, citing a 30% premium increase tied to a reappraisal of insured values and a $3 million loss history from recent storms.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163640,"Hays Commission approves $5.99 million guaranteed maximum price for police station design‑build",370,177000,547000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c&start=177&end=547","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433726-fd80d571230e90d4ded6bc10b640a17c/thumbnail_177000.jpg","/articles/6163640/Hays-City/Ellis-County/Kansas/Hays-Commission-approves-599-million-guaranteed-maximum-price-for-police-station-designbuild","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163640-1d5e0ee6c7c7e76aef317ed961c81649/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156991&Signature=N0YLaZqCOrab3B6nk0~Ywx5Tc94z6dW9lYFHs9AX5-SzO~YX3inZMZ8UnLKFZ~iL8bj-XyJ841j4AL8iPGcsYLu1wTp~39eC5WD2fKhFSoSRqQv-cDS97a1JsaaFQL4SLZuNdJpoQ-21PYW-vIL76C7Ja50k5Ka-tGgfwoVFhNMmJ~RhazI90sxU42XKpLp3cy7eGyX-~cMny~vk6C69Mh2uhvRWMN1JNi8xw6V453l7a7fCnXodcHLsSHPKfllLlc4t3qEW4wUWYyJMCk5B7ZwU8IQsteMSNMPGp9tOeR2clPrPgz7JallZlXwxgNIsdZ5I31q6gyNRM~1rDr~Czw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hays City Commission on June 12 approved a guaranteed maximum price of $5,991,250 and authorized the city manager to execute a phase‑2 design‑build agreement with PWC Inc. for a new police station and municipal core facility to be paid from general obligation bonds not to exceed $8,000,000.

Deputy City Manager Colin Belzer told commissioners that the design‑build team (PWC with architecture firms BKV and JGR) produced preliminary exterior renderings and interior floor plans that relocate public access to the lobby, courtroom and restrooms while securing officer work areas and evidence storage. \"We don't have public restrooms right now in our police station, so that'll be a nice addition,\" Belzer said.

The nut of the project: the existing police facility houses just over 8,000 square feet (including about 1,500 square feet of rented storage). The proposed work will convert the Astra Bank building into more than 20,000 square feet of space, add roughly 2,600 square feet of off‑site storage buildings, convert an existing teller building into a small garage and construct about 2,000 square feet of facility space near the new fire station. The city previously budgeted $8 million for acquisition, construction and furnishings and equipment; the bond package will include funds for FF&E, with staff returning later for a price‑not‑to‑exceed for those items.

Commissioners discussed capacity and future growth. Belzer said the design provides space for roughly 20 years of growth without additions and identified an underground courtyard area on the south side that could support a two‑story expansion of about 2,000 square feet, which could extend usable life further.

A motion \"to accept the guaranteed maximum price of $5,991,250 and authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with PWC Inc. to perform phase 2 design build services for the new police station/municipal core facility to be paid from general obligation bonds to be issued in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000 to pay for acquisition of 1100 Fourth Street, construction costs, and FF and E needs\" was moved by Commissioner Reuter and seconded by Commissioner Cunningham. The measure passed unanimously, 4‑0.

The commission directed staff to return with FF&E pricing and said they expected to receive a project update about a year from now.

Background context: Belzer said the design team includes BKV, which specializes in law enforcement centers, and JGR, an architecture firm with prior local work. The commission previously approved the initial design‑build contract in November to allow preliminary architectural work and establish a GMP. The city will eliminate current rental storage costs by providing space in the new facility.

The vote ends the agenda item; commissioners asked for a future walkthrough of final plans when available.","The Hays City Commission approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $5,991,250 and authorized a phase‑2 design‑build agreement with PWC Inc. to renovate the Astra Bank building and related storage facilities, funded by general obligation bonds not to exceed $8 million.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ellis County will add 50% surcharge for unsecured loads; Hays officials plan resident outreach

Commission approves $44,773 replacement of CVB welcome‑center marquee sign

Hays commission adopts cemetery ordinance updates and raises certain fees after 20 years

Hays renews property‑liability insurance for 2025–26 at about $590,944 after large weather losses

Hays Commission approves $5.99 million guaranteed maximum price for police station design‑build