By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
A new Barton County Commission and a relatively New Year. The governing body continues to conduct regular housekeeping duties. Wednesday morning, that meant renewing contracts with three state and local county associations at a total cost of $12,128.
The county will pay $553 for its renewal into the National Association of Counties. Four Barton County commissioners recently attended the Kansas Association of Counties' annual conference. The KAC lobbies state and federal legislatures on behalf of Kansas counties. Commissioner Barb Esfeld agreed the $6,124 to renew that contract is well worth the price.
"With them adding the lobbyist, Mike Taylor, and they've always had an attorney, but Jay Hall is very good in the education they put on," she said. "I really think it's very valuable for our county."
The county also renewed its contract with the Kansas Legislative Policy Group, a bi-partisan coalition of 34 counties. That group helps counties with the preservation of tax bases and retention of local control. Esfeld attended KLPG's winter meeting Tuesday.
"They brought in several senators and representatives, members of the Supreme Court, members of the tax committee, and went over past legislation and upcoming legislation that will very much affect Kansas counties," she said. "I can tell you they're very, very active and proactive in helping the counties that belong."
That renewal cost $5,471. Commissioner Donna Zimmerman called it another value purchase, with KLPG helping Barton County secure more than $2 million in oil and gas depletion trust fund money in recent years.