By DALE HOGG
Barton County Media Consultant
When it met Tuesday morning, the Barton County Commission reviewed qualifications from two firms seeking to provide engineering services to the county, filling the void created by the Dec. 12 retirement of County Engineer Barry McManaman. The commission selected Kirkham-Michael of Ellsworth.
"There will be a lot of figuring things out. This is a new way of doing things," said County Administrator Matt Patzner. Until now, the county has had an engineer on staff.
Because of this, the agreement will be on a year-to-year basis for now.
It calls for a rate of $2,800 per month, which includes at least 12 hours of service and representation at a minimum of one commission meeting in that period. Additional hours will be billed at an hourly rate.
"There is a shortage of engineers," said Commissioner Duane Reif. "We are kind of forced to do this."
This concept, which is used in other counties, will also provide tax savings.
"We've been kind of spoiled" having McManaman on staff”, Patzner said. "These will be big shoes to fill."
Also reviewed was a proposal submitted by Kaw Valley Engineering Inc. of Salina.