The county’s conversion to a new commercial software system is proving time consuming, according to Barton County Information Technology Director John Debes. His report on the switch came as part of County Administrator Richard Boeckman’s bi-weekly update to the County Commission Monday morning.
On March 11, the commission approved the purchase of a software package from Computer Information Concepts Inc. of Greeley, Colo., for   $218,595. The software package handles payroll, accounts payable and taxes.
The windows-based system replaces a home-grown one created by county personnel. It will be compatible with other programs used by the county, such as the new state-mandated program employed by the Appraisers Office.
Debes reported that tasks over the past two weeks have included moving files, developing file specifications, explaining the system flows and task responsibilities to aid in conversion.
In addition, the new server for the system has arrived and has been installed. CIC is being consulted on all changes and have approved them to date. 
 In other IT matters:
• IT is assisting the Sheriff’s Office with network updates. Other services include the installation of a PC in the sSergeant’s offices and negotiating the purchase price of new fingerprint machine.
• Hosted a Global training session for Administration of the Record Management System for the Detention Facility’s record. Staff from IT, the Sheriff’s Office, Communications and the Ellinwood, Great Bend and Hoisington police departments attended the training. This saved all agencies training dollars as the sessions are normally held in Oklahoma City.
• Worked with Communications and Global to fix an automatic texting issue. Global Dispatch is supposed to send text to various agencies when calls come in and after the last update it stopped. The software issue is now resolved.
• Bids were received from Nex-Tech and AT&T for an updated phone system for the Courthouse. After reviewing the bids, requested clarification on equipment to assure an “apples to apples” comparison. 
Alson in Boeckman’s update was:
County Engineer Clark Rusco
• Completed Kansas Department of Transportation Local Public Authority re-certification course. KDOT LPA certifications will be current for the next five years. LPA certifications are required in order for Barton County to provide construction engineering for KDOT projects when state or federal funds are involved.
• Met with surveyor concerning flood plain elevations and requirements for several project sites.
• Began project scope discussions with engineering firm Kirkham Michael of Ellsworth concerning the High Risk Rural Road signing grant. 
• Completed surveys for drainage improvements for Fairview Township.
• Completed surveys for permits for various drainage improvements for Division of Water Resources.
• Developed submittal requirements for consultant for flood plain development permit for a proposed drilling site located in the Nature Conservancy area near Cheyenne Bottoms.
• Reviewed plans submitted for Ellinwood bridge over the Arkansas River. Lochner Engineers will submit the project sequencing for the replacement of the expansion devices for this bridge. The time frame schedule will be reviewed for determining when to proceed.
• Submitted proposal to KDOT for construction engineering services for the truss bridge.

Road and Bridge Director Dale Phillips
Road and Bridge
• Completed culvert work on Southeast 50 Road and Southeast 40 Road near Ellinwood, with seeding dependent upon the weather.
• Shoulder work on Southeast 50 Road was completed.
• Pothole repairs took place throughout the county as needed.
• Sign crews continue with regular sign maintenance.
• Crime stoppers highlighted sign vandalism at the Great Bend Farm Expo.
• Two International trucks are currently out of service with engine problems. Personnel are reviewing repairs related to feasibility and costs.
• Snow preparedness continued with possible winter storms predicted for the week of April 8.

Records
In March, the Barton County Records Management Department had 207 visitors call, write, e-mail or walk in from Kansas, Louisiana, Texas, South Dakota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arizona and Yokosuka, Japan. A man who is stationed with the U.S. Navy in Yokosuka, Japan, requested documents for his son’s passport application and Social Security number. Staff located the necessary documents and mailed them to him.

911 Director Doug Hubbard
March 2013 statistics    
911 land-line calls - 309
911 wireless calls - 824
Administrative calls - 9,061
Total calls - 10,194
 Calls for service - 3,186
Each month, Hubbard checks generators, tower lights and grounds around the towers owned by the County. Radio and repeater checks are done during these inspections.