Recognizing the importance of Barton County’s voice being heard at the state level, the County Commission Monday morning renewed memberships in two lobbying organizations.

First, it approved the county’s Kansas Association Of Counties 2021 membership.

The KAC submitted a renewal notice for the 2021 membership. Based on a calculation that includes a base fee, population and valuation, the dues are $6,129.76, County Administrator Phil Hathcock said.  

The Association sponsors the annual KAC Conference, and various educational meetings throughout the year, and it lobbies the state and federal legislature on behalf of Kansas counties.   

Second, the commission OKed the county’s Kansas Legislative Policy Group 2021 membership.

The KLPG is a bipartisan coalition of western Kansas counties with the common interest in the preservation of the counties tax base and retention of local control. It serves as a policy and decision-making body establishing legislative priorities at its annual meeting and providing speakers to address KLPG members about the important topics of the day.

The renewal is priced at $4,869.33.