Commission approves $44,773 replacement of CVB welcome‑center marquee sign

The Hays City Commission on June 12 authorized the Convention and Visitors Bureau to replace the city’s 25‑foot marquee sign on Vine Street, approving a $44,773 contract with the low bidder to install a double‑sided 10 millimeter LED message center and new static sign panels. Funding will come from CVB reserves.

Melissa Dixon, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the existing board and flat panels were installed in 2007; the LED video board’s support software is no longer updated and the panel stopped updating after about 16 years. Dixon noted that the intersection sees about 18,000 vehicles a day, citing Kansas Department of Transportation traffic data, and said the sign is a high‑visibility location to promote community events and welcome visitors.

Two bids were opened on May 13: Commercial Sign (Hays) and Lumineo Signs (Hutchinson). Dixon said the selected electronic board is manufactured by Watchfire in Danville, Indiana, which she said should simplify service and parts availability.

A motion "to authorize the purchase of a double sided 10 millimeter LED message center and static sign panels at a cost of $44,773 and fund the project from CVB reserves" was moved by Commissioner Breuder and seconded by Commissioner Cunningham. The motion passed 4‑0.

Commissioners said they welcomed restoring the sign’s messaging capability; Dixon confirmed the new board will match the existing physical size and provide updated resolution for messages.