By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays water users will likely see a 17 percent increase in their January 2016 bills.

Several months ago, the city commission modified the sewer rates to pay for the anticipated $30 million of improvements to the wastewater treatment facility and also to fund a capital maintenance program. At that time, it was pointed out that the water production and distribution system capital maintenance program was also underfunded.

City staff is recommending a one-time 17 percent adjustment in water rates to fund the capital maintenance program. The proposal will be reviewed by city commissioners during their work session this evening.

Other agenda items include rezoning requests of the proposed Blue Sky Acres Addition from Agricultural to Residential
Suburban District and of 1517 Commerce Parkway from Agricultural to Light Industrial District and Annexation.

The Planning Commission earlier denied the rezoning and plat requests of the proposed Blue Sky Acres Addition. The issue now comes to the city commission to either uphold or overturn the Planning Commission denial.

Assistant Public Works Director John Braun will also present proposed updates to the Development Policy.

The Nov. 19 agenda can be seen here.

The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall.