Here’s a quick look at Tuesday’s Barton County Commission agenda meeting, Dec. 30, 2025:
• A budget hearing preceded the meeting. County Administrator Matt Patzner explained that the county is not raising taxes but needs to amend the 2025 Operating Budget for the General fund, Road and Bridge fund and Special Alcohol fund to increase the budget authority.
• Following the budget hearing, the regular agenda meeting began and the commission approved the budget amendments.
• The engineering firm Kirkham Michael was hired to provide engineering services to the county for $2,800 a month, which includes 12 hours of service, at least one trip to Barton County and an update to the commission. A resolution appointing Kirkham Michael as the on-call engineer was approved.
• Appointments were made to the Fire District No. 2 Board of Trustees for the term ending Dec. 31, 2028:
- Thad Foltz, Hoisington
- Michael McCurry, Eureka Township
- Ray Christians, Albion Township. Sarah Younger also applied for this position, which she currently holds. Commissioner Duane Reif thanked her for serving and said he based his motion to appoint Christians on adding a new face.
They still need to appoint someone from Olmitz and they need someone from North Homestead township to fill an unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2027. Applications are available at the administrative office at the courthouse.
• Gary Davis was reappointed to The Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board for a term that expires Dec. 31, 2028. It was noted that all of these appointments are uncompensated positions.
• The commission renewed the agreement for the State of Kansas Parole office to occupy space at 12th and Kansas, Great Bend, through 2026. This is provided without charge as a community service, with the state reimbursing the county for phone services and utilities.
• The commission approved the purchase of Office 365 Business licenses for up to 168 users. County Administrator Matt Patzner, reporting for IT Director Dereck Hollingshead, said the price per license has increased but to save money the county has reduced the number of computers that need this license.
• Two road rollers were purchased for the Road and Bridge department from Murphy Tractor for $279,000. The equipment being replaced will be sold on Purple Wave online auction service.
• A resolution establishing weight limits for certain county bridges was approved, with County Works Director Chris Schartz sharing information.
• The Appraiser’s Office has replaced a 2014 Jeep Compass with a Ford Ranger from Marmie Ford for $35,165, after the trade-in. This was discussed at a previous study session. On Tuesday, the commission ratified the purchase. Commissioners noted that, along with the road equipment from Murphy Tractor, this was an instance where they were able to buy from a local vendor.
• After the close of the agenda meeting, the commission was scheduled to meet with County Counselor Patrick Hoffman to review the qualifications for his replacement. He mentioned it at the meeting to be sure the public was aware and to thank the commission for the opportunity he’s had to work here. Hoffman said he has accepted another position and is excited about his new opportunity.
