New Ellis County administrator readies for 2017 budget work

phil with jon — The new Ellis County Administrator, Phillip Smith-Hanes, is interviewed by Hays Post reporter Jonathan Zweygardt.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Friday marks the first full month on the job for the new Ellis County Administrator.

After spending 15 years working in California – the past six as the Humboldt County Chief Administrative Officer – Phillip Smith-Hanes began working in Ellis County on March 1st.

The Marion, Kan., native says getting an opportunity to move back to Kansas and closer to his family means a lot.

“My folks are in their 80’s now and it is nice being able to come back and see them–spend more time with them, do some errands, do Walmart runs for mom–without having to get on an airplane,” said Smith-Hanes.

Smith-Hanes said there were a few similarities between Humboldt and Ellis County. Both feature division state universities, regional shopping centers and airport services by SkyWest Airlines.

He said that also fits with the commission’s current view and their outlook for Ellis County.

“The commissioners really look at Ellis County as a hub for northwest Kansas and (they) are really interested in strengthening the financial position of the county.”

phill 2 shot — Ellis County Treasurer Ann Pfeifer and Commissioner Marcy McClelland visit at the reception.

One of the most important parts of the County Administrator job is helping the commission set the yearly budget. Smith-Hanes laid out a schedule for the 2017 budgeting process at a meeting last month. The commission will review the goals they laid out after adopting last year’s budget and set goals for 2017 during their meeting Monday, April 4.

Smith-Hanes’ first day on the job in Ellis County also happened to be the day of the trench collapse that killed two people in downtown Hays. He said got to see first-hand how the community was able to come together during a tragedy.

“It was just so horrible for the families involved. It was just great to see the way the community rallied.”

He also applauded the cooperation between the county first responders and the city and county working together.

“It’s always horrible when a tragedy like that happens but it also tends to bring out the best in the community,” said Hanes-Smith.

Ellis County hosted a meet-and-greet for Smith-Hanes Tuesday at the Ellis County Administration Center with refreshments provided by county employees.