By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The public hearing for the proposed 2020 budget for the city of Hays will be held Thursday during the regular meeting of the city commission.

The balanced budget of $41,966,419 keeps the mill levy at 25.000, where it’s been for several years. Total assessed valuation for the city is up 1.6% from 2019.

Immediately following the public hearing, the commission is expected to adopt the budget which must be sent to the Ellis County Clerk by Aug. 23.

Also on the Aug. 8 agenda are recommended amendments to the National Electrical Code and the International Residential Building Code.

Local electricians and city staff have determined certain requirements in existing homes for arc fault circuit interrupters, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are too burdensome, according to Jesse Rohr, public works director.

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