By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Façade Improvement Grant Program and the HVAC Renovation at the Barton County Courthouse are two large issues the Barton County Commission has handled in recent years. As commission chair in that time, Shawn Hutchinson has lent a heavy hand in both projects. At Tuesday's meeting, Commissioner Donna Zimmerman tried to reward Hutchinson for going above and beyond with a motion for a one-time, $2,000 bonus.
"In addition to the work of contractors, volunteers, and county employees, Commissioner Hutchinson has been instrumental in the preparation and physical act of the move," she said in the motion. "You've taken the lead on this project, offering your experience in construction, plumbing, and security, and using your personal contacts for our benefit."
Zimmerman further explained that Hutchinson has taken away many hours from his personal business and family to help with the move and ensure the transition of county operations to three separate locations goes as smoothly as possible. Hutchinson declined the financial bonus in lieu of transferring the $2,000 from the general fund instead to the Barton County Employees Trust Fund.
"One of the people told me the commissioner's job is what you make of it," Hutchinson said. "It can be as little or as much as you put into it. I really believe that's true. I don't feel like I have done more in this role than I would have done in my own business. When I ran for this office, I said I will run it just like I run my own business."
The other commissioners also thanked Hutchinson for his work on the HVAC Renovation Project. County Administrator Matt Patzner also thanked Hutchinson for his leadership in assisting with county operations.
"Sometimes there's an easy way and sometimes there's a hard way," said Patzner. "A lot of times the hard way is the right way. I feel like if it's the right way, even if it's hard, we choose the hard way."