Following a 15-minute executive session, the Barton County Commission Monday morning approved a one-year service agreement with Patrick Hoffman for the county counselor. For 2019, Hoffman, of Sherman, Hoffman and Hoffman in Ellsworth, provided those duties at a monthly rate of $4,000, and that will remain unchanged.

“I think everybody can agree that he’s done a great job,” County Administrator Phil Hathcock said. Duties carried out by the counselor are prescribed in state law and specifically excluded are the duties of the county attorney. 

“We’ve been impressed with how he’s come on board,” commission Chairwoman Jennifer Schartz said, adding he was quickly up to speed on county matters.

In December of last year, the commission awarded a contract to Hoffman. Hoffman replaced fellow Sherman, Hoffman and Hoffman law partner Carey Hipp who was elected as a judge for the 20th Judicial District in November 2018.  

Hoffman’s was one of three proposals the county received last year.

Hoffman also presented the option of working on an hourly basis at $200 per hour, but in the end it was decided to go with the flat rate.