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Ellis County Library Board reports budget progress and contract talks with Hays Public Library
Summary
The library board told commissioners it spent about $1,500 of a $10,000 allocation and proposed a 0.385 mill levy and roughly $78,000 in operating income; board members said counsel is reviewing requirements and a contract with Hays Public Library will be considered at the Hays Public Library meeting.
Representatives of the Ellis County Library Board updated commissioners on the board’s first year of operations, spending and early budget choices.
Jennifer ticket, speaking for the library board, said the board requested $10,000 from the commission in March 2025 and has spent just over $1,500 to date, with outstanding invoices totaling just under $1,000. "We have spent so far just a little over $1,500 that's actually been paid," she said. The board reported it set a proposed mill levy of 0.385 and projected income just under $78,000 for the coming year.
Ticket said the board met regularly and engaged counsel (Mr. Powell) to confirm statutory requirements and next steps. She also noted that Mr. Powell has been working with the Hays Public Library on a services contract that the Hays Public Library will consider at its meeting the following evening; county commissioners were invited to attend.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about how much local property tax currently flows to the Central Kansas Library System (CKLS) and how withdrawal might change local funding. County staff explained an approximate 2-mill levy in unincorporated areas generates roughly $300,000 in property tax, with about $100,000 returning to Hays and Ellis libraries under CKLS distribution; the library board said their proposed levy was set to meet a statutory minimum of 0.25 mills while keeping the proposed budget modest.
Board members thanked the commission for its support and said they will continue outreach and scheduling, including a meeting set for the evening at the Hays Library.
