By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Barton County Commission approved an updated agreement with the Golden Belt Humane Society at Tuesday’s meeting. The county designates the Humane Society as the animal control authority within the county. Barton County contributed $31,500 this year to the Humane Society and starting in 2025 will fund the organization $35,750.
Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson noted the majority of the animal control calls the Humane Society receive are within the Great Bend city limits.
"I believe it's close to 90% of calls come from within the City of Great Bend," said Hutchinson. "We already know that, but I think it's important for the public to know that."
In 2024, the City of Great Bend contributed $107,500 to the Humane Society as an outside agency request. In 2023, the Humane Society handled 1,175 calls from Great Bend compared to 198 around the county.
The Humane Society relies on funding from the city, county, donations and grants.