By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

Hays City Commissioners will discuss adding a turf conversion program to the list of rebates already available to customers at their Thursday nigh work session. Commissioners have allocated $50,000 from the water sales tax to develop the program. If approved, customers who install xeriscaping, artificial turf or warm-season grasses would be eligible for a rebate of $1 per square foot with a maximum rebate of $1,000.

Commissioners will also discuss replacing the golf cart rental shed at the Flint Hills Municipal Golf Course. The old shed was destroyed by a major storm in September, and the city was able to recover approximately $20,000 via insurance. City staff has budgeted $49,880 to replace the shed. A request for bids for a standard building with metal siding was sent, and Quality Structures Inc. had the low bid of $35,980. The bid does not include any electrical or concrete work. Staff will recommend accepting the low bid.

Parks Director Jeff Boyle will also suggest leaving pool passes at current rates. The idea of creating a $50 to $70 family pass originated from a citizen request, and the Parks Department and Hays Recreation Commission found it would result in revenue loss of up to $20,500. Staff will recommend not offering family passes in 2015.

Boyle will also present a report from last season’s golf tournaments, which resulted in a revenue increase of approximately $9,000.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 Thursday at City Hall. Click HERE for a complete agenda.