One Barton County organization that help keep youth away from drugs and two that help those coping with substance abuse will receive a little extra funding following action by the County Commission Monday morning. Commissioners approved the distribution of over $3,000 in special alcohol funding.
Barton County has solicited applications for the distribution of funds, derived from the 10% gross receipts tax on the sale of liquor in private clubs, Hathcock said. It may be expended only for the purchase, establishment, maintenance or expansion of services or programs whose principal purpose is alcoholism and drug abuse prevention and education, alcohol and drug detoxification, intervention in alcohol and drug abuse or treatment of persons who are alcoholics or drug abusers or are in danger of becoming alcoholics or drug abusers.
Applications were accepted following a public announcement period.
Following the last distribution, there was $3,867.64 available for disbursement, County Administrator Phil Hathcock said.
The county advertised and collected applications. After a public announcement period, three applications were accepted:
• Barton County Sheriff’s Office Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program – $2,500.
The DARE Program, which serves fifth graders in the county, has been around since 1992.
• Central Kansas Dream Center Discipleship Program – $683.82.
These are nine-month, Christian-based residential programs for men and women that helps participants overcome life-controlling issues that include, but are not limited to substance abuse, anger, depression, and the emotional residue left by mental, physical, and sexual abuse. Enrollment is free.
• Dream Inc. outpatient/addiction services – $683.82.
Dream Inc, has been around for over 25 years. It helps those of all ages coping with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
The fund has been around since 1979. Although in the past, there has been more money available to distribute, commission Chairwoman Jennifer Schartz said.
Barton County Commission meeting at a glance
Here is a quick look at what the Barton County Commission did Monday morning:
• Reappointed David Hill and Tammy Sturn to the Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board for two-year uncompensated terms that end December 2022.
This board reviews and makes recommendations on mental health services in Barton County and the surrounding area, said Julie Kramp, center executive director.
• Appointed deputy corners.
• Appointed special deputy corners.
• Reappointed Sarah Younger of Albion Township, Michael McCurry of Eureka Township, Curtis Peterson of Olmitz and Shannon Donovan of Hoisington to the Fire District No. 2 Board of Trustees.
The consists of one appointee from each participating township and one from each participating city, Hathcock said. Trustee positions were advertised for Albion and Eureka townships and for the cities of Hoisington and Olmitz for terms expiring in 2021, and an unfilled position for Union Township which would term in 2020.
There was no appointment for Union Township, which has been open since the county formed the district in 2018. However, even with the vacancy, Hathcock said the board still meets all its requirements.
All terms are uncompensated.
• Made the 2019 distribution of Special Alcohol Funding to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office DARE Program, the Dream Center and Dream Inc.
Following the last distribution, there is $3,867.64 available for disbursement.
• Approved the annual Barton County Landfill engineering services agreement. The landfill operates under a permit issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and by Kansas statute, the permit requires that certain tasks be performed by a Kansas licensed professional engineer and geologist, said County Administrator Phil Hathcock, who also serves as the county’s solid waste director.
Historically, SCS Engineers of Wichita has provided the engineering services for the landfill and with the current permit expiring this month, SCS Engineers has proposed a qualification-based extension of the contract through 2022.
This is the first year on a three-year, $150,300 contract with the firm. The annual cost is $50,100.
Monies are allocated in the solid waste budget for this annual expense.
