By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will continue discussion of the proposed 2020 budget during their work session this evening.

At last week’s regular meeting the commission set August 8 for the budget’s public hearing after which the budget will be formally adopted.

“We have to have the budget certified and to the Ellis County Clerk by Aug. 23, which means the city commission needs to get it adopted at the Aug. 8 meeting,” explained Toby Dougherty, city manager.

A public hearing is required by state law.

“The public is welcome to come and comment on the proposed budget. This week will be the city commission’s last opportunity to make significant changes if they want.”

The other agenda item for Aug. 1 is consideration of several amendments to the residential and electrical codes.

The two issues involve smoke alarms and arc-fault interrupted electrical outlets.

“There are a couple of provision that are a little bit punitive and a little bit retroactive in the opinion of public works staff,” Dougherty said. The scenarios were brought to the attention of the city by local electrical contractors.

The complete agenda is available here.

The work session begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.