By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The first Barton County Commission meeting of each year is typically filled with several annual housekeeping items. On Tuesday, the board needed just about 35 minutes to get through 14 agenda items. Several agenda items pertained to the renewal of memberships with various organizations. Commissioner Barb Esfeld was not so quick to approve funds for another year with the Kansas Legislative Policy Group (KLPG).
"At this point in time, I really feel like, with the addition of the Kansas National Resource Coalition and with the stepping it up of KAC (Kansas Association of Counties) and the addition of Mike Taylor, I think we could opt and save $5,471."
Other commissioners agreed that other coalitions have increased their ability to assist Barton County. Donna Zimmerman chimed in and the board voted 5-0 against renewing with KLPG for 2024.
"I think this group has been very beneficial to Barton County for a number of years," Zimmerman said. "Barb's right that the oil and gas depletion trust fund money was a huge suit the county participated in. But I also agree that by being a member of the Kansas National Resource Coalition, we're kind of doubling up. I think both of these groups primarily represent Western Kansas counties so I think we're already represented."
For no fees, the commission approved another resolution to remain a participant in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Program that provides up to a $15,000 benefit as a workforce recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in the county. The body renewed membership with the KNRC, KAC, and the National Association of Counties for a total of $11,937.10. The board tabled renewing membership in the League of Kansas Municipalities for $1,025 until its Jan. 23 meeting.