By ELLE HUTCHINSON
Great Bend Post
During this week’s meeting, the Barton County Commission discussed a proposed expansion of Fire District No. 2, marking the first step in a multi-step process that would allow additional townships and a city to formally join the district.
Barton County Administrator Matt Patzner explained that Fire District No. 2 was created in 2018 and currently includes Albion, Eureka, North Homestead, South Homestead, and Union Townships, along with the cities of Hoisington, Olmitz, and Susank. The proposed resolution would allow the district to expand to include Fairview, Grant, and Wheatland Townships, as well as the city of Galatia.
Patzner emphasized that this expansion has been requested and is being considered so each participating township or city would have formal representation and a seat at the table within the district’s governance structure. He also noted that these areas are already being served by Fire District No. 2 during emergency responses, and the proposal would not change fire coverage levels. Rather, it would provide clearer authority, representation, and a more consistent framework for how services are administered.
Commissioners discussed that this is not a final action, but an initial step that allows the process to move forward. If the resolution is adopted, the Commission will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main Street, Suite 106, in Great Bend. The public hearing will provide residents and stakeholders an opportunity to share feedback and ask questions before any final decisions are made.
Should the process advance, the Board of Trustees appointed by the County Commission would expand to include a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve members, ensuring representation from the participating entities.
The Commission stressed that this item is currently under consideration only and encouraged public participation as the process continues.