Barton County could see a funding increase of more than $40,000 a year due to changes that are coming in how cell phones are taxed.
This week, the Barton County Commission approved a county resolution that paves the way for it to get the extra money, following state guidelines.
As was noted in the county’s agenda: “Kansas Legislature has enacted the Kansas 911 Act, providing for the collection and distribution of fees relating to emergency communications services. 
“Pursuant to the act, beginning Jan. 1, fees, collected from services capable of contacting emergency communications service, will be remitted to Barton County in a manner determined by the act.”
The county’s resolution requires the establishment of “a separate fund for these monies, pledges that monies will be used only as authorized by the act and rescinds an older resolution dealing with 911 tax rates in the 1990’s.”
“We should receive more funding,” County Administrator Richard Boeckman commented.
In fact, it is estimated that the county will get more than $44,500 more than currently.
In another funding issue: The commissioners approved a designated fund agreement between the county and Golden Belt Community Foundation to benefit the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, which will allow individuals, groups and businesses to donate for the improvement of the byway.
Financial Office Janet Crane explained similar funds have been established for the most successful of the national byways.
In other business this week, the commission also: approved appointments to the Local Emergency Planning Committee; accepted a bid from Gretchen Deighton, Ellinwood, for cleaning the county office building at 12th and Kansas; and approved a change to the county employee handbook that provides for employee service pins and other forms of recognition.
The commission also announced that it will not meet Monday, since it is the day after Christmas and the courthouse will be closed.
The commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, in the courthouse and they will discuss improvement to county bridges; replacement of radios; beer license renewals; and a resolution that recognizes the late Lynette Robinson Kramen, former register of deeds.