The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZNX8vi. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.
BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Agenda Meeting, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. Until Close
I. OPENING BUSINESS:
A. Call Meeting to Order.
B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Consider Approval of the Agenda.
D. Consider the minutes of the February 4, 2025, Regular Meeting.
E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes.
F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.
II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.
III. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: 13th Month – 3rd Batch:
-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period ending December 31, 2024. This is considered the third “13th Month” for 2024 expenditures.
IV. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
-Ms. Schmeidler will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of January 28, 2025, and ending February 11, 2025.
V. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes:
-Ms. Schmeidler will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.
B. BARTON COUNTY EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK: Policy Updates:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. From time to time, the Employee Handbook is reviewed to ensure that policies reflect current practices and federal and state law. At this time, it is suggested that policies related to discretionary time and business travel expenses be updated.
C. KANSAS NATURAL RESOURCE COALITION: 2025 Membership:
-Mr. Patzner will present details. The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) serves as a conduit between local, state and federal governments to promote balanced, necessary and effective administrative policymaking initiatives that materially affect the natural or human systems governed by individual member counties. The Commission has been asked to consider membership for 2025.
D. 2025 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING: Project-based Economic Development Funding:
-Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, will provide details. Barton County has historically given unrestricted funding to Great Bend Economic Development (GBED). The Commission has discussed that one disadvantage of unrestricted funding is the loss of direction on how funds are ultimately used. On December 17, 2024, then-Chairman Barb Esfeld and Mr. Hoffman notified GBEC that the Commissioners may transition to “project-based economic development funding” effective January 1, 2025, in order for GBEC to prepare for a potential change in funding. The letter stated that Barton County intends to continue to be a funding source for projects benefiting the economic development of the entirety of the County. Rather than releasing funds directly to Great Bend Economic Development, the Commission would consider prioritized funding based on project selection. The County has also considered using economic development funding to contract with a professional grant writing firm to address community needs.
E. KANSAS REHABILITATION TAX CREDITS: Courthouse HVAC Project:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. In late 2024, the County solicited bids from interested parties in purchasing Kansas Rehabilitation Tax Credits that were issued for the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) project at the Barton County Courthouse. On November 26, 2024, the Commission awarded the Kansas Rehabilitation Tax Credits bid to Clocktower Tax Credits for $1,463,440.00 in tax credits at a bid price of $1,358,218.66. The tax credits have now been received by the County.
F. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
-Chairman Tricia Schlessiger will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.
VI. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.
A. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.
B. APPOINTMENTS:
-The following appointments have been scheduled:
10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Update – Veronica Coons, Barton County Conservation District Manager.
10:30 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Susan Williams, Register of Deeds, is scheduled for February 13, 2025.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Discussion Items.
B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration.
C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours.
D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays.
E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion.
F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
VIII. ADJOURN