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/4e9cCig. 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
Jan. 7, 2025
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 December 10, 2024, and the December 17, 2024, Regular Meetings.
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. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. ALBION TOWNSHIP: Board Appointment:
-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will provide details. Raymond V. Christians has resigned from the position of Albion Township Trustee. The remaining Albion Township board members have nominated Ethan Ludwig to fulfill the term of Township Trustee. It is the Commissioners’ responsibility to make the appointment per KSA 25-1606.
B. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR COUNTY FUNDS:
-Jim Jordan, County Treasurer, will present details. A designation of Barton County financial institutions as official depositories comes before the Commission. Such institutions must meet the 100% pledged securities requirement for all County funds. According to County Resolution 2023-07, all depositories must provide to the County Treasurer proof of security for these funds whenever such information is requested.
C. RESOLUTION 2025-01: A Resolution of the Board of Barton County Commissioners Authorizing Participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2025:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to a $15,000 benefit as a workforce recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years. Under the proposed Resolution, Barton County pledges a match of the $15,000 benefit.
D. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2025 Membership:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. The National Association of Counties (NACo) has submitted a renewal notice for the 2025 membership. The balance due is $510.00. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate county priorities in federal policymaking; promotes exemplary county policies and practices; nurtures leadership skills and expands knowledge networks; optimizes county and taxpayer resources and cost savings and enriches the public’s understanding of county government.
E. KANSAS LEGISLATIVE POLICY GROUP: 2025 Membership:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. The Kansas Legislative Policy Group (KLPG) is a bi-partisan coalition of western Kansas counties with the common interest in the preservation of the counties tax base and retention of local control. The KLPG serves as a policy and decision-making body establishing legislative priorities at its annual meeting and providing speakers to address KLPG members about the important topics of the day. At this time, the Commission will consider renewal of the membership, priced at $4,904.97.
F. THE LEAGUE OF KANSAS MUNICIPALITIES: 2025 Membership:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. The mission of the League is to strengthen and advocate for the interests of the municipalities of Kansas to advance the general welfare and promote the quality of life of the people who live within Kansas.
G. RESOLUTION 2025-02: A Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Online Application Intake System for Telecommunications Programs and the USDA’s Online Financial Reporting and Compliance System:
-Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, will provide details. Barton County has historically participated in the USDA grant program. A requirement of participation in the online financial reporting and compliance system is the adoption of a Resolution naming a Representative-Signature-Certifier and an Administrator. It is suggested that Mr. Hoffman and Matt Patzner, Administrator, be assigned to those roles, respectively.
H. COMMISSION: Extension of the Employment Agreement for the Barton County Administrator:
-Chairman Barb Esfeld will provide details. In 2021, Matt Patzner was promoted from the position of Finance / Human Relations Officer to Operations Director. In 2023, that position was changed to County Administrator, in keeping with Kansas statutes. This updated agreement shall extend through January 31, 2029.
I. COMMISSION: Extension of Independent Contractor Agreement for County Counselor:
-Chairman Esfeld will provide details. Several years ago, the County entered into an agreement with Patrick Hoffman for independent contractor services as the County Counselor. The Commission will now consider extending those services into January, 2029.
J. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
-Chairman Barb Esfeld 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.
IV. 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:
-Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Update – Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director.
10:30 a.m. – Pilot Program for Juveniles – Stepping Up – Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director.
10:45 a.m. – RFP - Mass Mailing for Real Estate Valuation Notices – Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser.
11:00 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, is scheduled for January 9, 2025.
V. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Discussion Items.
B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time.
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 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2025. Kansas statutes require that Counties hold their Organizational Meeting the second Monday of the year. Included will be swearing in of both County Officials and the officers of the Sheriff’s Department.
VI. ADJOURN