Action from the January 25, 2023, Barton County Commission agenda meeting:
RESOLUTION 2023-05: A Resolution of the Board of Barton County Commissioners Authorizing Participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2023: -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, provided details. The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to a $15,000 benefit as a workforce recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years. The Resolution was adopted.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2023 Membership: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The National Association of Counties (NACo) submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership. Based on population, the dues are $553.00. NACo advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes exemplary county policies and practices and nurtures leadership. Membership was approved.
KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2023 Membership: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership. Based on a calculation that includes a base fee, population and valuation, the dues are $6,124.34. The Association sponsors the annual KAC Conference, various educational meetings throughout the year and lobbies the State and Federal Legislature on behalf of Kansas Counties. Membership was approved.
KANSAS LEGISLATIVE POLICY GROUP: 2023 Membership: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The Kansas Legislative Policy Group (KLPG) is a bi-partisan coalition of western Kansas counties with the common interest in the preservation of the counties tax base and retention of local control. The KLPG serves as a policy and decision-making body establishing legislative priorities at its annual meeting and providing speakers to address KLPG members about the important topics of the day. The Commission approved renewal of the membership, priced at $5,471.34.
ANNUAL DEPARTMENT UPDATE: County Attorney’s Office: -Levi Morris, County Attorney, was to provide an annual update on his department. Tabled for two weeks.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: -Not needed at this time.