By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Nearly 17 months of planning and many sleepless nights. The Barton County Commission first approached the idea of a new heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system at the courthouse in September 2021. Wednesday morning, the body finally took the giant leap forward. With a 5-0 vote, the commission approved a $4.182 million contract with Kruse Corporation to complete the project.
"No one here wants to spend $4.2 million on these improvements, but we can't continue to kick the can," said Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson. "It's time to take the initiative. It's time to be responsible. It's time to put forth the energy and recognition of the value of 20 years of discussion, and move forward with the HVAC system. To say with pride, on our watch, we made the capital investment for the future of this building and to serve the citizens of Barton County."
Past commissions were able to avoid the big expenditure. Commissioner Barb Esfeld did thank those bodies for building a reserve of $5,787,000, and said this commission is in a unique position to use the $2.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were not available before.
"Although we're in expensive times, to me, we're also in the time to do it with the ARPA funds that are available, the reserve the commissioners before us were able to set aside, as well as the historical credits," Esfeld said. "There's really no better time to do it as well."
Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger noted the three new commissioners were sworn in 29 days ago. She turned emotional as she weighed spending money versus moving forward as a team.
"One of my things was, when we ran, was that we were going to be fiscally responsible, which was very difficult for me," she said. "And that we need to be brave new leaders. So is it brave to charge ahead and do this, or is it brave to not? For all the reasons Shawn has stated, I think we're going to be a brave commission."
Each commissioner spoke on the need for the improvements. Donna Zimmerman served as county clerk in the building for 26 years, and referenced a photo of patched pipes to emphasize the need for working equipment. She recalled a leak in the floor above the clerk's office heading into a 3-day weekend.
"Althought you have an insurance claim, you need to have voting equipment that's tested and ready to go," she said. "That first picture where you show the patch on the pipe, I think it's right next to another patch on that same pipe. It's been patched probably about as often as it can be patched. I've heard stories that when they empty out the system to change it out between heat and air there are metal shavings, so who knows what those pipes really like on the inside."
Commissioner Duane Reif said the patches on the pipes are warning signs, and that it is the commission's duty to keep the courthouse in working order, as well as to protect the employees inside.
"I wish it was something you could see," he said. "If you build a new building, everyone is impressed and thinks it's the best thing in the world. This HVAC, we really won't be able to see it. It's an improvement we can't see, but it's very necessary."
The full scope of the project includes replacement of the current 2-pipe heating and cooling system, replacement of building lighting and related electrical improvements, replacement of ceiling and floor coverings, painting, and the installation of a fire system and 2-way communications system.
The county will use of its more than $2.8 million in ARPA funds on the project, and the remaining $1.378 million will come from the capital improvements building and fixed equipment fund reserves. The county could receive approximately $1 million back in historical tax credits. Hutchinson said plans are only a week behind at this point, and the goal is to have all staff moved out of the building by mid-June.