Hays commission expected to vote on mall taxing district Thursday

By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

After two months of meetings and presentations, Hays city commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposed development agreement and Community Improvement District at the Hays Mall.

Last week, commissioners directed city staff to add language to the proposed development agreement that includes a July 2016 completion deadline for all projects. City staff also added language that states there will be two periods for reimbursement for the development group in order to streamline the reimbursement process.

The CID request was submitted to the city in August. If approved by commissioners, it would implement a 1 percent sales tax increase on sales generated at the mall to pay for renovations and improvements to the interior, exterior, parking lots and landscaping on the property. The improvements are projected to cost $3.1 million. The CID would have a maximum lifespan of 22 years or sunset when improvements are paid off. The development group has said national retailers have shown “significant interest” to come to the property if the improvements are made.

Commissioners will also look to continue the 1 percent transient guest tax increase that recently expired in October after the Hays Welcome Center was paid off four years early. The ordinance, which was passed in 2006, increased the rate from 4 percent to 5 percent until the welcome center was paid off. The city plans to use the funds to pay for promotional materials, wayfinding projects, airport marketing and for funding quality-of-life agencies, including half of the Downtown Development Corp.

Other agenda items include:

• Considering a design and engineering agreement with Burns & McDonnell for the cross-wind runway rehabilitation project.

• A recognition ceremony for city employees who have served for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-plus years with the city of Hays.

• Consideration of a cereal malt beverage license for Qdoba Mexican Grill.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. A full agenda, along with the proposed development agreement for the CID, can be found HERE.