By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Preparation for the city of Hays’ 2017 budget was done differently this year.

According to City Manager Toby Dougherty it was turned over to the Finance Department and its director Kim Rupp, and “it’s worked out pretty well.”

“Kim adapted very quickly and he’s taken to the role, so kudos to him,” Dougherty said. “It went pretty smooth.”

Dougherty outlined the budget highlights during last week’s city commission work session.

“The budget itself is 25 mills, so no mill increase,” he stressed, “and it’s balanced, as usual.”

No new city employees will be hired next year and reserves continue to be funded.

The street maintenance program is fully funded for 2017 and there was good news for future projects.

“Due to prudent cash management practices, we have been able to move up the reconstruction of 8th Street from Milner to Vine to 2017, and the projected reconstruction of Allen Street from 8th through 22nd Street to 2018,” Dougherty reported. “So these are essentially two years ahead of schedule on both street projects, and paying cash for them.”

Dougherty added sustainability on everything is emphasized going forward, “taking care of our capital assets.”

A more detailed review of the proposed 2017 budget will be presented during tonight’s city commission meeting.

The July 14 agenda is available here.