Barton County Commission Summary
Week of July 1, 2026
County to assist Ellinwood with Park Street sealing
Road and Bridge Department secures bulk diesel contract
Landfill approves fuel bid with United Ag Service
County announces Independence Day closures, thanks emergency responders
County to assist Ellinwood with Park Street sealing
GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Barton County Commission unanimously approved an agreement to assist the city of Ellinwood with sealing Park Street from U.S. 56 to Seventh Street. Operating as an independent contractor, the county will provide specialized labor and equipment for the project at an estimated cost of no more than $12,500, charging standard Federal Emergency Management Agency rates. County Works Director Chris Schartz noted the project aligns well with the county's current schedule, as crews are already working in the southeast quadrant and will be concurrently sealing the county-owned portion of Seventh Street in Ellinwood.
Road and Bridge Department secures bulk diesel contract
GREAT BEND, Kan. — To combat volatile fuel markets, Barton County Commissioners ratified a bulk fuel agreement with American Plains Co-op to supply up to 50,000 gallons of diesel for the Barton County Road and Bridge and Noxious Weed departments. The county locked in rates of $3.29 per gallon for clear diesel and $3.08 per gallon for dyed diesel through June 30, 2027. Chris Schartz explained the department acted on the quote after prices briefly dipped, saving the county significantly compared to current pump prices of around $4.50 per gallon.
Landfill approves fuel bid with United Ag Service
GREAT BEND, Kan. — In a separate bulk fuel agreement, the Barton County Solid Waste Department awarded a contract to United Ag Service for up to 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The Barton County Commission approved the bid at $3.35 per gallon, which will run through June 30, 2027. Solid Waste Director Jennifer Hamby noted that United Ag Service, a local vendor with facilities in nearby Galatia, Hoisington and Olmitz, will provide weekly bobtail deliveries to keep the landfill's heavy equipment topped off.
County announces Independence Day closures, thanks emergency responders
GREAT BEND, Kan. — In observance of the Fourth of July, all regular county business offices, including the Barton County Health Department, Barton County Sheriff's Office Records Division and Barton County Solid Waste Landfill, will be closed Friday, July 3. The Barton County Landfill will also remain closed Saturday, July 4. Barton County Commissioners used the scheduling announcement to publicly thank local emergency services personnel who will maintain normal operations and continue working throughout the holiday weekend.
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