By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Ellis County administrative offices will close a day earlier at the end of the year to allow staff to move office locations.

At Monday night’s county commission meeting, staff approached the commission about the possibility of closing the courthouse for the year at the end of the business day on Dec. 30 and reopening Jan.2.

According to County Treasurer Ann Pfeifer, the move allows them to complete their year-end process without interfering with other departments.

The courthouse is normally open on Dec. 31, but Pfeifer added the change “would give people additional time to box up and be ready for the movers to come.”

County Administrator Greg Sund said the moving company is expected to begin moving boxes and equipment from the courthouse to the new permanent offices in the 718 Main Administrative Center on Jan. 6.

A notice will be posted at the courthouse giving the public advanced notice.

The Commission Chairwoman Barb Wasinger also suggested making an attempt to help people on Dec. 31 on a case-by-case basis.

In other business:

• Approved a three-year contract with Nex-Tech for an updated phone system at all county buildings