At Thursday’s regular meeting, Hays city commissioners will consider the purchase of new waste-disposal polycarts, as well as funding for the city’s downtown advocacy organization.

Downtown Hays Development Corp. has requested $53,655 to fund its operations, which were the topic of a lengthy discussion at last week’s commission work session. They also report receiving an estimated $37,150 from fundraising, partnership programs, events and activities and interest for a total budget of approximately $90,805.

When DHDC was created 14 years ago, their initial goal was to purchase six properties in downto Hays to “jumpstart the redevelopment of downton.” The buildings were purchased in partnership with Liberty Group, the primary developer of the Chestnut Street District. Liberty Group is currently in the process of developing a downtown hotel and events center in downtown Hays.

Information distributed to commissioners last week indicated more than $10.5 million private dollars have been reinvested in downtown buildings and businesses since 2001. Downtown sales tax collections make up approximately ten percent of Hays general sales tax collection.

Commissioners expressed concerns at last week’s work session about communication problems with the city and what exactly DHDC does.

Commissioners also will consider the purchase of 400 new 95-gallon polycarts from Rehrig Pacific Co. in DeSoto to replace aging units and have additional polycarts available for new customers.

According to ID Creech, the new carts would be less expensive and a little more durable.

The purchase would cost just more than $21,000.

Click HERE for a complete agenda for Thursday’s meeting, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.