Attorney Patrick Hoffman recently resigned as the county counselor for Barton County but he will continue to serve as interim counselor while the county searches for a replacement.
On Tuesday, the Barton County Commission approved an independent contractor agreement with Hoffman.
Because he has accepted another position in Salina, Hoffman said he won’t be able to work as many hours for the county as before and he won’t always be able to attend the commission’s Tuesday meetings. The contract reflects the reduced hours for reduced pay, although the terms of the agreement weren’t shared at the meeting. County Administrator Matt Patzner noted that the county had a similar agreement with Hoffman several years ago, before he became the official county counselor.
“I can’t think of a better man for the job,” Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said.
Commissioner Donna Zimmerman said Hoffman leaves huge shoes to fill and asked if his contract included the “fine print” addition that Hoffman could never leave, but was told that was unlikely since he had drafted it. “I sure appreciate Patrick’s willingness to help us,” she said.
“I’ve been really blessed,” Hoffman said. “You guys know how much I appreciate working here. I would have gladly done this for my whole career, but I had an opportunity I just felt like I needed to pursue. ... I feel like I have an ethical obligation to keep helping you until you find the next person, so whether that’s a short time or a longer time, I’ll try and stick around to help you out.”
The position of county counselor will remain open until it is filled.
Employee Engagement Committee named
In other business, Judith Castro, president of the Employee Engagement Committee, introduced this year’s committee. Castro works in the Administrative Office. Lindsey Creamer, who works in the County Clerk’s Office, is new to the committee. Returning members are Ryan Lichter at Juvenile Services and Richard Estes with Road and Bridge. Estes was unable to attend, and commissioners said his department was no doubt extra busy this week.
Another cellphone tower
The commission approved a resolution that will allow a conditional use land permit for a described tract of land about 2 miles west of Hoisington. Environmental Manager Judy Goreham said a company plans to build a 410-foot guyed communications tower on land owned by the Tindall Agricultural Trust, pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission. They have already received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
At a planning commission meeting on Jan. 8, all board members who were present voted in favor and no adjoining land owners voiced objections. Jettie Zoller from Hoisington attended and asked questions about the danger of health risks posed by the growing number of cellphone towers, but she did not object to the permit, Goreham said.
Paul Greeley, an agent with STC Towers, joined Tuesday’s meeting via telephone from Kansas City and said he also attended the Jan. 8 meeting.
“It’s a great location for this tower,” Goreham said, noting it is not in the flood plain. “It’s supposed to improve our communication ability.”
Purchase for the landfill
Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste director, received approval to purchase a Bobcat-brand angle broom attachment from the low bidder, Bobcat Salina, for $7,416.32. She explained that the landfill uses a 2021 Bobcat T770 skid steer loader in its operations and uses an angle broom attachment to sweep mud and debris off onsite asphalt access roads and the highway in front of the landfill entrance. The old attachment needs a bristle bar replacement. Since the old one came from an auction and there was no model information, a new attachment is needed.
Commission Chair Duane Reif asked about Road and Bridge’s offer to provide a driving broom and Hamby said an attachment was preferable because it works with the skid steer they already have. Reif told Hamby, “I’m glad you take care of the highway out in front.” Big trucks entering the landfill can track mud.
Bills paid
The commission also approved the latest round of accounts payable for Jan. 13-27, as well as the second batch of “13th month” appropriations for the period ending Dec. 31, 2025.
Esfeld in Topeka; chairman comments
Commissioner Barb Esfeld was not at Tuesday’s meeting because she was in Topeka representing Barton County at the Kansas Legislative Policy Group meeting and would be there Wednesday for the Local County Government Day with the League of Kansas Municipalities.
“We do get out and do things such as that,” Chairman Reif noted of the commissioners’ duties.
“(Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger) and I attended the Conservation District annual meeting,” he continued. Reif congratulated the five Barton County landowners recognized for achievements such as windbreaks, soil conservation and water quality. These are awards that represent generations of effort. “We thank all of these for conserving our land and water.”
