The holiday schedule has put a wrinkle in area governmental meetings. On Dec. 30, the Barton County Commission will hold a budget amendment hearing prior to opening the agenda meeting.
BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING – Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. This Budget Amendment Hearing has been scheduled to receive comments relative to amending the 2025 Operating Budget for the following Barton County Funds – General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund and Special Alcohol Fund. Despite the efforts of elected officials and department heads, budget estimates must be adjusted so that funds fall within budgetary laws.
AGENDA MEETING – APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of December 16, 2025, and ending December 30, 2025.
NEW BUSINESS - AMENDMENT OF THE 2025 BARTON COUNTY OPERATING BUDGET: -Mr. Patzner will present details. The Budget Amendment Hearing for the 2025 Operating Budget for Barton County was conducted prior to this Regular Agenda Meeting. The Commission is now asked to consider amendments that will allow for the current budget to cover the operating expenses and possible transfers to reserves of unanticipated revenue for the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund and the Special Alcohol Fund.
KIRKHAM MICHAEL: Engineering Services: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. Kirkham Michael has submitted an agreement outlining the service provision and subsequent cost of providing engineering services to Barton County. Included for the $2,800.00 monthly fee is12 hours of service, two trips to Barton County and an update to the Commission. At this time, it is anticipated that the billing will be paid through the County Engineer’s account of the General Fund.
RESOLUTION 2025-21: Appointment of a County Engineer by the Board of County Commissioners of Barton County, Kansas, and Description of the Organizational Structure of the Barton County Engineering Department: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. The proposed Resolution names Kirkham Michael as the on-call Engineer, as required by Kansas Statutes, and places the Engineering Department under the supervision of the County Administrator. This is in keeping with the County’s organizational structure.
FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. Per Resolution 2018-10, which created Fire District No. 2, the members of the Fire District Board of Trustees shall consist of not more than one (1) appointee from each participating township and not more than one (1) from each participating city. There is one unexpired term ending December 31, 2026, open and four terms ending December 31, 2027, one each for the Cities of Hoisington and Olmitz and Albion and Eureka Townships.
BOARD APPOINTMENT: The Center for Counseling and Consultation: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. The County solicited applicants for The Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board. This Board reviews and makes recommendations on mental health services in Barton County and the surrounding area. Gary Davis has applied for appointment.
OCCUPANCY AGREEMENT: 12th and Kansas, Great Bend: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. As a means of community support, the State of Kansas Parole office is housed in the County office building at 1208 Kansas, Great Bend. This agency reimburses Barton County for a portion of the building’s utility costs. The proposed agreement is set to expire December 31, 2026.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Operating Improvements: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. Office 365 Business enables all computer users to have email hosting, protection and archiving as well as a desktop version of Office. It is suggested that the Commission approve the purchase of licenses for up to 168 users. ROAD AND BRIDGE: Replacement Road Rollers: -Chris Schartz, County Works Director, will provide details. Road rollers are essential engineering vehicles used by highway departments to compact soil, gravel, and asphalt for strong, durable road foundations and surfaces. Murphy Tractor provided a quote for two HP100-10 rollers for a total of $279,000.00. The equipment is subject to machine availability with 60 months or 3,000 hours warranty. If approved, it is suggested that the current equipment be sold on Purple Wave once the replacement machinery is received.
RESOLUTION 2025-22: Establishing Weight Limits for Certain Bridges Maintained by Barton County and Rescinding Resolution 2023-22, Same, Adopted August 29, 2023: -Mr. Schartz will provide details. The Kansas Department of Transportation has distributed the results of the final year of the federally mandated Bridge Load Rating Project. Upon its completion, the 10-year project will have analyzed all bridge-length structures in the State of Kansas to determine if they can carry legal loads. All 372 Barton County bridges have load rating, including two hundred and twenty four (224) bridges this period. This Resolution sets the final load ratings and rescinds the previous weight limit resolution that was approved in 2023.
APPRAISER’S OFFICE: Vehicle Replacement: -Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser, will provide details. In order to meet the statutory requirements to physically inspect real property, it is imperative that the Appraiser’s Office utilize vehicles that can maneuver through differing terrains. A 2014 Jeep Compass is failing and is suggested for replacement. Given the difficulty in finding used vehicles that meet the specifications, it was suggested that the department purchase an available Ford Ranger from Marmie Ford for $35,165.00. This sale price included a trade allowance of $3,500.00 for the 2014 Jeep Compass.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: -Chairman Tricia Schlessiger will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.
ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT: -Barton County Office Buildings will be closed Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. The Landfill, the Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department will also be closed during this time. Emergency services will be in normal operation.
The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/47NVKwK. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.