The end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 are bring schedule changes for several Barton County offices, some of which will have a direct impact on county taxpayers.

First, the Treasurer’s Office will be closed to the public on Friday, Dec. 30, so all tax payments received are entered before the end of the year, it was noted at the County Commission Tuesday morning. 

So, this means those who need to pay their end-of-the-year taxes must do so by Thursday, Dec. 29.  

This didn’t sit well with Commissioner Kenny Schremmer who thought county residents were getting cheated out of an extra day to make their payments. “I don’t think its right” for the office to close.  

However, this has been the practice of the office for the past couple years so the year can be closed out and the final numbers posted, commission Chairman Don Davis said. This came about after the county was dinged in an audit for not having the books completed by year’s end.

Second, Barton County office buildings will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in observance of the New Years holiday. The Landfill, the Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department will also be closed during that time.   

The Landfill will be open normal business hours on both Saturday, Dec. 31, and Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017. Emergency services will be in normal operation.   

Finally, since the commission regularly meets on Mondays and this coming Monday is observed New Years Day, the next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main St. in Great Bend.