The Barton County Communications office stayed busy in 2016.

In addition to the routine high volume of calls, the department saw the fall installation of the Next Generation 911 system. Making the switch cost $104,000. But, the five-year-old analog 911 system was experiencing problems, forcing a change sooner than planned. The server kept crashing and it isn’t compatible with the latest digital technology.

The NG911 is an internet protocol (IP)-based system that allows digital information (e.g., voice, photos, videos, text messages) to flow seamlessly. It is the latest and greatest and it is what state officials hope will become universal for 911 centers all over Kansas.

Here are the statistics from 911:

• Created and processed 48,129 radio dispatch cards in Enterpol CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch). This includes officer-initiated traffic stops or service of civil process/court documents. 

• Handled 5,299 emergency (911) calls and 30,241 administrative calls from the public and officers/deputies. Total phone calls from August (when Next Generation 911 system was installed) to December 2016 was 35,540.

The 911 information came from Communications Director Dana Popp. It was part of the bi-weekly departmental update presented at the Barton County Commission meeting Tueaday morning by Chairman Jennifer Schartz.

Other highlights included:

County Treasurer Kevin Wondra

• The Treasurer’s Office processed a total of 840 motor vehicle transactions between Dec. 29, 2016, and Jan. 11, 2017. Of those, 431 were vehicle renewals and 216 were new titles. In the past two weeks staff has also renewed, registered or updated 48 Commercial vehicles. 

• The department has processed all the 2016 taxes submitted. Any 2016 first half taxes received now have penalties assessed. Additionally, any delinquent personal property taxes are due in full at this time. 

• The bookkeepers are getting ready to disburse the first distribution of this year. All daily work is current. 

County Engineer Barry McManaman

• Hosted a pre-design meeting with Kirkham Michael for the project to repair the Arkansas River bridge on the Radium blacktop.

• Reviewed and approved three utility permits for oil line crossings in the northeast part of the County.

• Reviewed the inspection agreement with KDOT for the bridge replacement project on East Barton County Road.

Road and Bridge Director Dale Phillips

• Mowing of county right of way to cleanup road ditches has been completed. Crews finished in the Ellinwood area.

• Backfilling and temporary asphalt work was started on the new bridge north of Beaver.

• Five culverts were installed over the reporting period. One new entrance and four entrances repaired. 

• Regular sign repair was completed. Trash and tires were picked up on two bridge areas.

• Preparations and planning for the next predicted winter storm was completed the second week of the reporting period. Weekend winter weather is predicted and staff will be called out accordingly to treat roads. 

Solid Waste Director Phil Hathcock

In the past reporting period, the Barton Count Landfill took in:

• 898 Tons of municipal solid waste

• 247 Tons of construction/demolition waste

• 10 Tons of special waste

• 448 Loads of waste received for disposal

• $43,033.94 of revenue generated through disposal fees

Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee

• The All Stars class was taught on two occasions to two classes at Riley Elementary school. These were the eighth and ninth sessions

• Woodmansee attended two intake and assessment standard meetings in Topeka. Staff attended a KPCCI meeting. 

• Juvenile Intake and Assessment has completed 56 intakes since Dec. 2, 2016. 

• Juvenile Intensive Supervised Probation and Case Management currently are supervising 52 youth from the 20th Judicial District.

• Project Stay is the case management program for youth who have truancy issues and currently provides case management for 36 youth in the Judicial District.

• Teen Court is held every month and currently has 18 active cases.