By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Anyone moving equipment out of the Barton County Courthouse caught a break over the weekend as temperatures dipped into the 80s. But it is still July in Kansas. Tuesday morning, Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson expressed frustration over a lack of air conditioning throughout the entire county operation at 1500 Kansas Ave, saying a temporary solution was in the works for Tuesday with a permanent fix hopefully coming by the end of the week. He also thanked all county employees.
"A big shout out to all Barton County employees," he said. "I've never seen a more dedicated group in all my years of doing things. You walk around and look out there, a lot of these employees moved their desks, moved their own boxes. Everyone stepped up. What a great team to be a part of."
The $4.2 million HVAC renovation project at the courthouse dates back to December 2021 when the commission approved funds to hire an architectural and engineering firm to conduct a feasibility study. By April 2022, the price tag was estimated at $2.3 million. In September of last year, county administration announced the courthouse would need vacated for the project. In January of this year, the cost of the project went from an expected $2.5 million to $4.2 million, and the commission had to make a tough decision. Commissioners greenlighted the project on the 100-plus-year-old building that had not had its HVAC updated since 1979. The county secured three nearby locations to keep operations functioning during the renovation, and the move out of the courthouse was completed earlier this week. Matt Patzner was promoted to county administrator during the process and can now breathe a partial sigh of relief.
"We wouldn't be in the position we're in right now without our employees stepping up and going above and beyond," he told commissioners. "Just a huge thanks to everyone, the hard work they've put in. This was amazing to watch. Some of the employees just went above and beyond what anyone would expect them to do. I'm proud to work with this group."
Commissioner Duane Reif thanked past commissioners for their vision to get the project started. He thanked Patzner for the many extra hours of work and stress related to the project. He also thanked all the department heads for rallying their troops, the Road and Bridge Department for all the heavy lifting to complete the move, Sheriff Brian Bellendir for loaning out trustees to help, and maintenance and housekeeping, who have had to work in more than one facility.
"I know this is a huge inconvenience for most of you," Reif said, "but when this HVAC project is completed, it will not only serve you as present employees but also the next generation."
The county has approved 12-month leases on three properties while the renovation is being completed. Nearly $3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used to pay for the project.
