By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Five agencies will go before the Ellis County Commission at Monday night’s meeting to request subsidies from the county as the commission works through its 2016 budget process.

The commission will also consider advertising for bid a portion of West Old Highway 40. After construction on the east portion cost more than anticipated, the county has decided to wait on completing the second half of the project.

An engineer has proposed bidding the project in two parts. One portion would be to extend existing culverts and drainage pipes to prepare for the larger pavement improvement.

After setting up a policy that requires department heads to come before the commission before hiring any new employees, the commission will discuss a number of open positions within various departments.

The commission will also discuss a resolution setting specific days for the discharge of fireworks. County Administrator Greg Sund suggested July 2 to 4.

Monday’s Ellis County Commission meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Ellis County Administrative Center.