Updating two compact track loaders now instead of one will allow Barton County’s Road and Bridge Department to lock in the current price, Barton County Commissioners learned Monday. That was their decision after consulting with County Works Director Darren Williams.
The Road and Bridge purchased two Bobcat track loaders from Bobcat of Salina. Both have been updated each year since purchase in 2014 and in 2017, respectively, Williams reported. There are one- and two-year buyback options. “The cost went up $950 on each machine,” Williams said. “We have two options. We can do the buyback for $5,500 on each of the two machines and receive a new machine with full warranty or utilize the two-year option at $11,000 on each of the two machines.”
Commissioner Kirby Krier moved to go with the two-year buyback option offered for two loaders with full warranty, for a total of $22,000, to be paid from the road and bridge budget. “I also want to say that we don’t have to put it in our budget. It’s an equipment replacement,” Krier said. The motion passed 5-0.
Memorial Parks Advisory Committee appointment
Williams also recommended the appointment of Kathleen McGinnis, Hoisington, to the Memorial Parks Advisory Committee. The committee is charged with advising and assisting the county commission regarding the care and maintenance of the memorial parks and cemeteries owned and operated by the county. McGinnis was the only applicant for the two unexpired positions open, so there is still a position available.
Service agreement paid with 911 money
In other business, Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, provided details about as service agreement related to 911 communications. Patzner explained, “an agreement with Motorola Solutions was approved in September, 2020, for two 800 megahertz radio repeater towers. That agreement included maintenance, support and SUA (software update agreement) costs through 2021. Communications has received a $62,960 maintenance contract invoice for the continuation of services.”
The 2020 agreement was paid for using SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) funding but the county planned to continue it in the future even if SPARK funding goes away, he said.
“This expense was built into the general fund budget for subsequent years. It’s been determined that the 911 Tax Fund can be used.”
The commissioners approved the invoice, with chairman Shawn Hutchinson noting that money from the 911 Tax Fund comes a “fee-based account, versus a tax levy.” The county landfill, treasurer’s office and other departments have fee-based programs. “Our job, which we really take seriously, is to try to keep property taxes as low as possible. So, anytime something can be fee-based, we like that,” he said.
