By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners are scheduled to vote on moving the city of Hays water status from “Water Watch” to “Normal” at their meeting Thursday night.

According to Utilities Director Bernie Kitten, the well levels are above the “watch levels” and it is “highly unlikely” levels will reach a watch status in 2015. Also, the current drought forecast does not predict a drought for the city over the next three months. If the commission decides to move out of a watch, the same restrictions will stay in place. The drought response plan allows commissioners to preemptively move in and out of the various stages based on projections. City staff is recommending the commission move out of the watch.

Commissioners will also discuss submitting the final application for a $4.50 Passenger Facilitation Charge at Hays Regional Airport. The fee would be attached to every originating ticket from the Hays Regional Airport. Revenues would be used to fund capital projects at the airport, including the rehabilitation of the crosswind runway and terminal renovations and expansion currently underway. According to agenda materials, if approved, the fee could be in place by Feb. 1 and has the potential to generate approximately $58,000 each year.

Other agenda items include

• Authorizing a one-time 2 percent bonus for members of the International Association of Firefighters for 2015. The city and the IAFF were at impasse since June, but recently, came to an agreement on the bonus. It is the same wage agreement members of the SEIU and the Fraternal Order of Police.

• Adopting the 2015 job classification and pay plan. City staff is recommends continuing the existing plan while giving all city employees a one-time 2 percent pay increase.

Click HERE for a complete agenda for Thursday’s meeting, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.