Commission set to return Tuesday
After a two-week holiday hiatus, the Barton County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Courthouse. The meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view it online at https://bit.ly/3ZuyQ9M.
The commissioners will discuss several items on the agenda including approving the nomination of Ethan Ludwig as the Albion Township Trustee. When approved, Ludwig will replace Raymond V. Christians, who resigned from the position.
Other items on the agenda include:
• County Treasurer Jim Jordan will address the commissioners on a designation of Barton County financial institutions as official depositories for County funds. According to the Tuesday agenda, “Such institutions must meet the 100% pledged securities requirement for all County funds.”
• County Administrator Matt Patzner will provide details of Resolution 2025-01: A Resolution of the Board of Barton County Commissioners authorizing participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2025. This Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to a $15,000 benefit as a workforce recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years.
• Patzner will also provide details on the National Association of Counties (NACo). The Association has submitted a renewal notice for the 2025 membership. NACo unites county officials to advocate county priorities in federal policymaking: promotes exemplary county policies and practices, and much more. Renewal for the 2025 membership is $510.
• The Kansas Legislative Policy Group (KLPG) is a bi-partisan coalition of western Kansas counties with the common interest in the preservation of the counties tax base and retention of local control. They also serve as a policy and decision-making body. Patzner will ask the Commission to consider renewing membership for $4,904.97.
• The League of Kansas Municipalities 2025 membership is also due. The mission of the League is to strengthen and advocate for the interests of the municipalities of Kansas to advance the general welfare and promote the quality of life of the people who live within Kansas. Patzner will ask the Commissioners to renew this membership.
• County Counselor Patrick Hoffman will provide details of Resolution 2025-02, a resolution authorizing participation in the online application Intake System for Telecommunications Programs and the USDA’s Online Financial Reporting and Compliance System. A requirement of participation in the online financial reporting and compliance system is the adoption of a Resolution naming a Representative-Signature-Certifier and an Administrator. It is suggested that Patzner and Hoffman be assigned to these roles.
• The Commission will consider the extension of the Employment Agreement for the Barton County Administrator Matt Patzner. This updated agreement shall extend through Jan. 31, 2029.
• The Commission will also consider the extension of Independent Contractor agreement for County Counselor Patrick Hoffman. The new extension will run into January, 2029.
