Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty has proposed hiring a water conservation specialist to focus on increasing the city’s conservation program. Currently Hays is the number one water conserving city in the state, but Dougherty says more can be done and it’s cheaper to conserve than to develop new water sources. City Commissioner Kent Steward says he agrees with the concept, but he’s concerned about adding a staff position.

Dougherty says this isn’t something that can be done with existing staff.

The commission will make a decision next week.