Now that Barton County Counselor Patrick Hoffman has accepted a position with the City of Salina, the county is searching for his replacement. When the County Commission meets on Tuesday, it will consider entering into an independent contractor agreement for an interim county counselor. No name has been released at this time.
The meeting will start at 9 a.m. on Jan. 27 in Suite 106 of the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main St. Citizens may view the meeting on Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/4aBhFcg.
Other items on the agenda are:
• The approval of appropriations, including the second “13th month” batch for the period ending Dec. 31, 2025.
• A resolution for approval of conditional land use. Paul Greeley, STC Tower LLC, has applied for a permit to build a 410-foot guyed communications tower on a tract owned by the Loretta Tindall Agricultural Trust, approximately 2 miles west of Hoisington. A public hearing was held on Jan. 8 and the Barton County Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the county commission approve this request.
Due to the height of the tower, no building permit can be issued until the Federal Communications Commission approves it. Federal Aviation Administration approval has already been obtained.
• Purchase of a Bobcat angle broom attachment for the Solid Waste Department. The department uses a Bobcat skid steer loader in its operation and recently sought bids for an angle broom, which is used to sweep mud and debris off asphalt access roads and the highway in front of the Landfill entrance. Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste director, will present details.
Announcements
Following the agenda meeting, the commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, and sign any documentation approved during the meeting or other documentation required for regular county business.
The Kansas Legislative Policy Group Winter Meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 27, in Topeka.
The Kansas Association of Counties will cohost the Local County Government Day with the League of Kansas Municipalities on Jan. 28 at the Kansas Statehouse.
County officials may attend the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce Banquet at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the American Legion, 117 E. Santa Fe, and the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Banquet at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Hoisington Columbus Club, 114 N. Main.
Appointments
Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
9:45 a.m., or following the close of the agenda meeting, planning session with media consultant, to include select photography
10 a.m., regular business discussion with County Administrator Matt Patzner
10:20 a.m., security grant information, with County Clerk Bev Schmeidler and IT Director Dereck Hollingshead
10:30 a.m., program update with Public Health Director Karen Winkelman
10:45 a.m., monthly update with Josh Beckman, Kirkman Michael
11 a.m., program update with County Works Director Chris Schartz
11:30 a.m., update with the Golden Belt Humane Society
The County Edition, broadcast on KVGB-AM on Thursdays at 11:05 a.m., will feature the Health Department on Jan. 29.
