Although it happens every year, the Barton County Commission’s annual approval of grant applications for the Health Department is critical, Health Director Lily Akings told the commission Monday morning.
“This makes up a good percentage of our budget,” she said. The money, which totals $219,000, comes from federal and state sources, or a combination of both.
The Commission OKed applications for the following grants:
• State formula,  $18,912
• Child care licensing,  $35,288
• Chronic disease risk reduction (smoking, weight reduction/exercise),  $50,602
• Family planning,  $51,192
• Maternal and child health,  $57,889
• Immunization action plan,  $5,117
Akings said the amounts are based both on the cost of the programs. The totals granted haven’t change much, but neither has the cost of implementing the efforts.
In other action Monday, the Commission:
• Approved a bid from J&J Construction for $1,425 per month for mowing services at Golden Belt and Hillcrest memorial parts north of Great Bend. Under a written agreement, the parks are to be maintained with a grass height no higher than three inches until Oct. 31, with required services before holidays, said Dale Phillips, road and bridge director.
In the past, Haberman Lawn Care has had the contract and it was the only other bidder this year (with a bid of $1,550 per month). However, County Administrator Richard Boeckman said there were several complaints about the care last year.
• Approved revisions in the Barton County Employee Handbook. Among the revisions were policies dealing with leave time, the internet, social media and workplace violence prevention. The handbook is reviewed from time to time to assure compliance with current state and federal laws and employment trends and these reviews often lead to revisions to several policies, said County Administrator Richard Boeckman.