By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Since accepting a role as Barton County Counselor in 2019, Patrick Hoffman has gone before the Barton County Commission each December to ask for renewal of his annual contract. Wednesday morning, the governing body threw a small wrench in that contract. Outgoing Commissioner Kirby Krier made the motion to extend Hoffman's contract, but only through Jan. 31, 2023, to set up a new annual cycle.
"There are multiple reasons why we've extended it to Jan. 31," Krier said. "One, I think it's appropriate we have a yearly contract from Jan. 31 to Jan. 31, so if there are ever new commissioners who come on board, they have an opportunity to vote for the county counselor that will be serving them in the future. Two, it also allows the area attorneys, if they would wish to apply for the job, it gives them the opportunity between now and Jan. 31 to apply."
Hoffman asked if he should reapply, and Commissioner Jennifer Schartz reiterated the change had nothing to do with Hoffman's performance.
"This is absolutely no reflection on the job Patrick has done for us because he's done a stellar job," she said. "I hope he continues to do that job for us. It's just a matter of transparency so other attorneys have the opportunity to apply."
Last December, former Commission Chair Jim Daily suggested paying Hoffman more than the contract asked. Per the contract, the county currently pays Hoffman $5,500 a month, or $66,000 annually.