The Barton County Commission Monday morning approved the distribution of funds aimed at bolstering aloholism-fighting efforts to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office for its Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

The county had solicited applications for the of Special Alcohol Fund money. For 2015, there was $3,500 available, but applications totalled $30,475, said Barton County Health Director Shelly Schneider. 

Other applicants and the amount they requested included:

• Catholic Social Services – $ 4,000

• Counseling Inc. – $ 1,175

• Dream Inc., Project Dream  – $21,800

The funding comes from the 10 percent gross receipts tax on the sale of liquor in private clubs. It can only be spent for the services or programs that improve alcoholism and drug abuse prevention and education, alcohol and drug detoxification and intervention in alcohol and drug abuse or treatment. 

Schneider said the amount in the fund keeps dwindling. That is due in part to the success of anti-abuse programs.

There is also another cause. Originally, the fund was a joint effort between the county and the City of Great Bend, but about 10 years ago, the city opted to start its own fund.

“It makes me feel bad that we can’t help the others more than we do,” Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said. She hoped the other applicants would seek funds from the city.

“The other agencies are very valuable to our community,” Schneider said. There are other funding sources available as well that may be tapped.

Schneider said they looked at dividing the pot of money up among the four entities. But, they figured it was better to fund one program completely.