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/4ev8oBb. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.
BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Agenda Meeting, January 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m. until Close
I. OPENING BUSINESS:
A. Call Meeting to Order.
B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Consider Approval of the Agenda.
D. Consider the minutes of the January 7, 2025, Regular Meeting.
E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes.
F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.
II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.
III. 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 17, 2024, and ending December 31, 2024.
IV. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: 13th Month:
-Ms. Schmeidler will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period ending December 31, 2024. This is considered the first “13th Month” for 2024 expenditures.
V. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
Ms. Schmeidler will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of January 1, 2025, and ending January 14, 2025.
VI. RECOGNIZE OUTGOING OFFICIALS:
-Chairman Barb Esfeld will provide details. Glennda French, Register of Deeds, and Levi Morris, County Attorney, will be recognized for their service to Barton County and its citizens.
VII. RECESS FOR SWEARING IN OF OFFICIALS:
-The following officials will be sworn in: Commissioner Barb Esfeld and Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson; Sheriff Brian Bellendir; Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk; Colin Reynolds, County Attorney; and Susan Williams, Register of Deeds. The ceremony will be held at 10:15 a.m. in Courtroom A. Following the ceremony, the County will host a reception in the Courthouse rotunda.
VIII. SWEAR IN SHERIFF’S OFFICERS:
-Ms. Schmeidler will swear in the Sheriff’s Officers as Sheriff Brian Bellendir begins his new term of office.
IX. RETURN – The Commission will return to Chambers at 10:45 a.m.
X. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. ELECTION FOR CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. Nominations are in order for the 2025 Commission Chairman as is allowed under Kansas Statute 19-219. The Board of County Commissioners consists of Commissioners Barb Esfeld, Shawn Hutchinson, Duane Reif, Tricia Schlessiger and Donna Zimmerman.
B. ELECTION FOR CHAIRMAN PRO TEM OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. Nominations are in order for the 2025 Commission Chairman Pro Tem as is allowed under Kansas Statute 19-219.
C. RESOLUTION 2025-03: Designation of the Official County Newspaper:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. This Resolution calls for the designation of the official County newspaper. The newspaper selected must meet the qualifications as prescribed by K.S.A. 64-101. To meet this statute, and to best reach the citizens of Barton County, the Commission shall consider the designation of The Tribune.
D. RESOLUTION 2025-04: Requesting a Waiver Under K.S.A. 75-1120a:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. It is standard procedure to request a waiver of the requirements of K.S.A. 75-1120a relating to the preparation of financial statements and reports each year. The basis is that statements prepared in conformity with this statute are of no significant value to Barton County nor to the general public.
E. APPRAISER’S OFFICE: Bulk Mailing – Valuation Notices:
-Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser, will provide details on this item. The Appraiser’s Office invited Request for Proposals for the 2025 real estate valuation notices. Work involves the creation of valuation notices, mailing labels and envelopes.
F. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes:
-Ms. Schmeidler will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.
G. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
-The Commission Chair 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.
XI. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.
A. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.
B. APPOINTMENTS:
-Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
11:15 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Area Chamber Program Updates – Ellinwood, Hoisington, Great Bend.
11:30 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sean Kelly, Emergency Management Director, is scheduled for January 16, 2025.
XII. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Discussion Items.
B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration.
C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours.
D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays.
E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion.
F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
XIII. ADJOURN