Eight agencies presented their budget requests to the Hays City Commission last week. The requests total nearly $441,000, which is about $3,000 more than last year’s requests. Last year rather than designate funding for the Ellis County Coalition, the money was earmarked for economic development. The commission last night asked Coalition member Bob Muirhead why city funding should continue.

Higher funding amounts were requested from the Ellis County Historical Society, Hays Arts Council and Sister Cities Advisory Board. The commission will consider the requests when they approve the 2012 budget later this summer.