By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will continue its discussions on the 2017 budget at Monday night’s commission meeting.

At a meeting earlier this year, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes asked the commission for direction in finding a way to close a budget shortfall for next year. The commission instead left it up to the department heads to find ways to cut within their departments.

Smith-Hanes will present the commission with three possible options for cutting the budget.

The commission will also discuss bids for replacing the bridge over the Saline River on Yocemento Avenue. At the commission’s last meeting in April, Interim Public Works Director Curt Hoffman presented the commission presented the commission with the four bids the county received for construction.

Monday’s meeting is at 5 p.m. Monday at the County Administrative Office.