Idea of moving Treasurer’s office popular
At a recent Barton County Commission meeting, the idea of moving the County Treasure’s Office at the Courthouse from its current second floor location to the first floor was floated. The idea has been a popular one, District 1 Commissioner Kirby Krier said Wednesday morning.
“The input has been amazing, how many people are very happy that we are considering this,” Krier said. “They were very positive.”
The proposal, endorsed by Treasurer Jim Jordan, is under consideration due to the amount of traffic the office receives, county officials said. Jordan’s staff sees a lot of walk-in customers, many of whom are elderly, the change would make this easier.
Currently, visitors must use the stairs or take the elevator.
Facade grant extensions approved
The Barton County Commission Wednesday morning approved two County Facade Improvement Grant project extensions – one for WHB Inc. and one for Randall Polzin of Hoisington.
Sara Arnberger, speaking for her mom Tammy Hayden with WHB, said during the Nov. 2, 2021, commission meeting, WBH was allocated $20,000 for façade improvements at 1403 Main, Great Bend. But, they opted to seek historic tax credits and sourcing materials and contractors have proven to be problematic.
They were granted an extension through June 30, 2023.
Then, during the Oct. 26, 2021, commission meeting, Polzin was allocated $4,797.62 for improvements at 170 S. Main and $7,054.50 for improvements at 172 S. Main, both in Hoisington. County Operations Director Matt Patzner said sourcing materials and contractors has been challenging for Polzin as well.
His deadline was also moved to June 30, 2023.
Commission Chairman Shawn Hutchinson, District 3, said these extensions are “hard deadlines.” If the work is not done by then, the money will go to other applicants.
Tire disposal rates to increase
Noting the jump in prices for the Barton County Landfill to get rid of old tires, the County Commission Wednesday morning OKed a revision of tire disposal rates at the facility.
The landfill currently charges customers a per-tire disposal rate based on the tire size, Solid Waste Director Jennifer Hamby said. Due to an increase in disposal costs (it will increase from $213 now to $236 come next year), she said it is necessary to increase the rates to compensate for the cost.
Hamby said they recommended the rate be changed to $3.50 per passenger car and light truck tire for up to four tires. For semi, tractor, heavy equipment and quantities of tires five and over, the suggested rate would be 12 cents per pound/$240 per ton.
She will notify contractors who rely on the landfill for tire disposal of the changes.
Hoffman’s contract extended
Barton County Counselor Patrick Hoffman’s independent contractor agreement was extended for another year, the County Commission decided Wednesday morning. The 2023 contract will expire on Jan. 31.
Under the arrangement, Hoffman will be paid $5,500 per month. This is unchanged from the 2022 contract.
The duties of the county counselor are prescribed in by state statutes. Specifically excluded are the duties of the county attorney.
The contract now runs for a calendar year so any incoming commissioners can vote on who they want as counselor, District 1 Commissioner Kirby Krier said. The job will also be open for applications from any attorney interested, including Hoffman.
“This is not a reflection on you,” District 5 Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said. “You’ve done a stellar job.”
In December 2018, the commission awarded a contract to Hoffman. Hoffman replaced Carey Hipp, who was a partner in the same Ellsworth law firm at the time, after she was elected as a judge for the 20th Judicial District in November 2018.
When he first went to work for Barton County, he was at the law firm Sherman, Hoffman and Hoffman LC of Ellsworth. He has since started his own firm.
