BY JUSTIN SABATA
Several agencies in Ellis County presented their 2021 budget requests to the county commission during last Monday’s meeting. Each year, the commission hears from these organizations and provides funding for valuable community services. These requests ranged in dollar amounts with presentations by representatives from the following agencies:
- High Plains Mental Health
- Western Kansas Child Advocacy
- CASA of the High Plains
- Hays Area Children’s Center
- DSNWK
- DSNWK (ACCESS Transport)
- Grow Hays
- Ellis County Conservation District
- Ellis County Historical Society
- Ellis Alliance Association
- Council on Aging
- Humane Society
- Center for Life Experience
- Heartland Community Foundation
- Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services
Most notably, High Plains Mental Health requested $280,000 for next year. According to a handout given to the commissioners, High Plains is projected to receive an estimated $260,000 this year given the current county budget crisis after receiving $281,646 in 2019.
The commission will meet again tonight to further discuss the 2021 budget. A county COVID-19 update will also be provided by Health Service Administrator Jason Kennedy.