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Recruitment Profile City of Hays City Manager Page 3 musical and theater programs. Hays' residents enjoy numerous athletic events at the high school and intercollegiate level. State wrestling, football and basketball championships are conducted in Hays, as well as the Kansas Basketball Special Olympics, the largest in the nation. The arts thrive in Hays, with annual festivals celebrating its western and German heritage, his- toric churches, the Hays Arts Center, the Hays City Band, several art galleries and the Hays Symphonic Orchestra. Hays is the largest city in Northwest Kansas and serves as the county seat of Ellis County, Eighty percent of County residents reside in Hays. Its population has grown from about 12,000 in 1960 to 20,000 today. Hays' economic life has historically been centered on agricultural services, oil, light manufacturing and services to travelers along Interstate 70. Hays has over 1,000 lodging rooms and banquet facilities for up to 800 guests. Ellis County rates among the top 10 counties in the State of Kansas in total employment, wealth index, and per capita income. The major entities of employment are services, wholesale/retail trade, education and government. Public education is provided by the Unified School District 489 - Hays, which operates a high school, 2 middle schools and 8 elementary schools. The district is highly regarded and some of its campuses have been recognized nationally by Blue Ribbon School awards from the U. S, De- partment of Education. The City of Hays is also known for its private schools including Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, Holy Family Elementary and High Plains Christian SchooL The community offers a wide variety ofresidential options, with the average single-family home ranging from $100,000 to $200,000. The cost ofliving in the Hays area compares favorably with peer cities, The Organization As provided in its City Charter, a five member City Commission governs the City of Hays, The Mayor is se- lected from the Commissioners on a one-year rotating ba- sis. Commissioners are elected every two years, at which time three seats are contested. The highest two recipients of votes are awarded four year terms and the other con- testant is awarded a two year term. There is no term limit for Commissioners. Among other duties, the City Commission appoints a City Manager who directs the day-to-day operations of the City under guidelines and policies established by the City's elected officials. A staff of 170 full time employees (all funds) serves under the supervision of the City Manager. The general fund budget for the 2001 fiscal year (January-December) is $11.1 million, with an all funds budget of $24.3 million.