Jun 02, 2023

Barton Co. Attorney's Office first to move from courthouse

Posted Jun 02, 2023 4:00 PM

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

Barton County staff will see many changes over the coming six weeks as part of the $4.2 million HVAC and renovation project at the courthouse. While most offices are expected to change locations from June 15 through July 15, the Barton County Attorney's Office is already calling 1520 Main Street its new home. Wednesday morning, County Administrator Matt Patzner discussed some concerns with county commissioners regarding the cost of the move.

"Granted there was a lot in there, but it was a lot of hours for one office," Patzner said. "If we spread that out all over the courthouse, there would definitely have to be some sort of flat rate."

The county was billed more than $7,500 for 21 hours of work to move the county attorney's office, almost double the anticipated cost. The commission discussed negotiating a flat rate over an hourly rate for future moves to keep a handle on costs, but Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger said, given the scope of the project, it may be difficult for movers to estimate how many hours the move will take. She proposed using area high school teams or county staff for future moves. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman said that opened the door for liability issues.

"I just would really want whoever is moving us to have good liability insurance and make sure their employees are theirs and don't become our problem," he said.

The commission may look into other moving options, including using a corporate moving firm. Barton County District Court will soon occupy the building located at 1709 Main Street in Great Bend, and other county offices will occupy the first floor at 1500 Kansas Ave.