Tuesday’s Barton County Commission meeting will start with a public budget-amendment hearing at 9 a.m. at the courthouse. It will take place in Suite 106 of the courthouse at 1400 Main and may also be viewed through the live-stream at https://bitly/47NVKwK. Anyone who wishes to participate in the discussion via Microsoft Teams is asked to call 620-793-1800 for instructions.

The hearing is scheduled to receive comments relative to amending the 2025 Operating Budget for the following Barton County Funds: General fund, Road and Bridge fund and Special Alcohol fund. County Administrator Matt Patzner will present details. According to the agenda, “Despite the efforts of elected officials and department heads, budget estimates must be adjusted so that funds fall within budgetary laws.”

The regular Dec. 30 meeting will start after the hearing. The first item of new business is to amend the operating budget.

Other items are an agreement with Kirkham Michael to provide engineering services to the county; a resolution appointing Kirkham Michael as the on-call engineer; appointments to the board of trustees for Fire District No. 2; and appointment to The Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board; renewal of the agreement for the State of Kansas Parole office to occupy space at 12th and Kansas, Great Bend; the purchase of Office 365 Business licenses for up to 168 users; the purchase of two road rollers for the Road and Bridge department from Murphy Tractor for $279,000; a resolution establishing weight limits for certain county bridges; and purchase of a Ford Ranger from Marmie Ford for $35,165 for the Appraiser’s Office.

Announcement

Barton County Office Buildings will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. The Landfill, the Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department will also be closed during this time. Emergency services will be in normal operation.

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 consultants.

10 a.m. - Review of Request for Qualifications of County Counselor - With County Counselor Patrick Hoffman and County Administrator Matt Patzner.

10:15 a.m. - Regular business discussion with Patzner.

11 a.m. – Program update with Christy Crews, Hometown Grants.