Residents of Pfeifer are worried about speeding vehicles in the small unincorporated town southeast of Hays. They want the town’s 30 mph speed limit lowered to 25 mph with the addition of “Slow” traffic signs. There are safety concerns about children playing outside and increased traffic around the town’s historic limestone church.

The newly-appointed Ellis County Public Works Director, Bill Ring, will present that request to county commissioners during their meeting tonight, Monday, June 6, which follows the 5 p.m. meeting of the Public Building Commission in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main Street.

County Administrator Phillip Smith-Haynes will present a preliminary overview of the 2017 county budget. According to his memo to the commission, it reflects a 3.3 percent reduction in General Fund expenditures. Smith-Haynes anticipates available carry-over funding for 2017 will void the need to make any adjustments to the county’s mill levy. He noted that budget requests from outside agencies, final health insurance costs for county employees and direction from the commission will affect the end totals.

Rural Fire Director Darin Myers, who is also now the Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator, will make his recommendation whether to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated Ellis County for the July 4th holiday. The city of Hays is allowing fireworks from July 2-4 during the hours of 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The complete agenda is available here.