Hays council schedules Sept. 9 hearings on FY2026–27 budget and 0.0947 tax rate

The City of Hays council set two public hearings for Sept. 9, 2026, to consider the proposed FY2026–27 budget and a proposed tax rate of 0.0947 per $100 valuation.

Treasurer/finance staff described the proposed tax rate as a 7.5% increase and said it would generate slightly more revenue than last year while still using options available to a small city (a de minimis rate). "The proposed tax rate is, 0.0947," a staff presenter said, and council agreed to publish and hold the formal hearings to gather public comment.

Councilors confirmed that hearing notices and budget documents will be posted on the city website and bulletin boards and asked that staff provide copies for public inspection. The council voted unanimously to hold the hearings and instructed staff to prepare the formal notices and the budget packet for public review ahead of the Sept. 9 meeting.