By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

All five seats on the Hays city commission are once again filled.

Ron Mellick was sworn in Thursday night by City Clerk Brenda Kitchen during the commission’s work session. Mellick fills the seat vacated June 20 by Chris Dinkel who is moving to New York City to attend law school this fall.

“I want to thank the commission for entrusting me with the responsibility of filling Commissioner Chris Dinkel’s vacant term,” said Mellick.

“I will try very hard to serve all the people of Hays.” The unexpired term runs until 2020.

Mellick previously served two terms as a city commissioner from 2007 to 2015, including a stint as mayor.

His experience was cited by the other commissioners when they voted June 28 to appoint Mellick to the unexpired term.

“I appreciate that you’re willing to step forward, Commissioner Sandy Jacobs said last night. “It’s nice having the experience and the background especially as we’re entering the budget process. So we appreciate you wanting to serve.”

City Manager Toby Dougherty then reviewed highlights of the 2019 budget proposal, noting the mill levy will remain unchanged at 25 mills. The commission asked for a few revisions and additional information which will be presented at the July 19 work session.