By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners got their first look at the 2019 draft budget during a work session Thursday night.

City Manager Toby Dougherty reviewed highlights of the $39,466,072 proposal, noting the mill levy will remain unchanged at 25 mills.

A new pay plan for all city employees is included, while the amount budgeted per employee for health insurance has increased from $9,500 to $11,000.

Mayor James Meier praised city staff for their work on the budget.

“Valuation is down a half percent, and we’re budgeting down one percent on sales tax, and yet providing more benefits to our employees,” Meier said.

“It’s a balanced budget and the mill levy is the same. I know sometimes we get wrapped up in discussions in other smaller items in the budget but I think that’s the main message we should always be sending.”

The city commission asked for a few revisions and additional information which will be presented at the July 19 work session.