During the Hays City Commission work session on December 17th, Hays City Commissioner Henry Schwaller called for a special meeting of the Ellis County Commission, Hays City Commission and Board of Education of USD 489 to discuss development of an alliance to share resources and cut costs.

“It is critical that all elected officials in Ellis County work together. We face difficult financial challenges – both locally and statewide – and we must identify areas where all local units of government can collaborate and share assets, ideas and resources. In today’s environment, no successful organization operates as it has in the past. We must begin building partnerships among local governments that benefit all Ellis County residents.”

Schwaller also noted that current financial and economic trends, such as low oil prices and declining state revenues, may continue for next 18 to 24 months.

“Current global events have a dramatic effect impact on our local economy, and most economists do not expect to see any changes soon. That said, I believe that if we act now, we can weather this storm. Ellis County has faced challenging times in the past. But our history tells us that when we work together, we can overcome any adversity.”

After the first joint meeting in early 2016, Schwaller envisions the group expanding to include Ellis and Victoria and holding regularly scheduled meetings at least four times a year.