By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

After being informed the Hays City Commission would not support a public vote on a sales tax that would be used to offset the cost of a proposed $94 million bond, the Hays USD 489 Board of Education discussed taking the measure directly to the voters at Monday’s work session.

“That is not something the city commissioners are going to vote on,” Superintendent Dean Katt said.

If the board were to collect approximately 1,227 signatures from eligible voters, the measure could be put on the ballot, giving the proposed increase to the voters. Taking this action, however, could push the bond election from April to a later date.

“It’s going to take a lot of time to get those signatures,” said Bill Jeter, board attorney, warning the board if they proceed with that route they might not be able to put the bond measure to voters before May.

While the sales tax question is still under consideration, the board will still vote next week to begin the process to hold the special election in April at the board meeting next Monday.

As more information about the bond election is being shared with the public, the board has begun receiving questions about the necessity of the measure and why the full $94 million bond is needed at this time.

Josh Waddell told the board he felt positive, as questions to him are coming in about the specifics of the plan and its necessity.

“Our schools need this,” he said. “This is not a bailout. … This is a forward future-moving request.”

As the process continues, Katt said the administration is finalizing presentations for community and school groups and presentations will begin next month.