County and city to draft joint property tax legislation

Officials celebrate millions generated by facade improvement program

Animal shelter resource usage prompts funding discussion

Commissioners support proposed inter-agency steering committee

County inks asphalt contract with Venture Corporation

Road and Bridge department outlines 2026 overlay plan

County prepares for rural water district project updates

Three appointed to Fire District No. 2 Board of Trustees

County and city to draft joint property tax legislation

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Following their joint meeting with the Great Bend City Council, the Barton County Commission announced plans to form a committee dedicated to drafting statewide property tax and valuation legislation. Local officials intend to bypass legislative gridlock in Topeka by writing the bill themselves and collaborating directly with state legislators and the Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes to push the reform forward. The Kansas County Commissioners Association has also expressed interest in providing input on the locally drafted tax bill.

Officials celebrate millions generated by facade improvement program

GREAT BEND, Kan. — A recent joint session between the city of Great Bend and Barton County highlighted the economic impact of the local facade improvement program. According to a meeting recap, the initiative has completed 68 projects and paid out nearly $1 million in grants, utilizing more than 40 local contractors. The public investment has spurred an estimated $2 million in additional business investments, serving as a primary driver for regional downtown revitalization.

Animal shelter resource usage prompts funding discussion

GREAT BEND, Kan. — During a review of collaborative efforts with the city of Great Bend, the Barton County Commission discussed the operational funding of the Golden Belt Humane Society. It was noted during the joint session that the city accounts for approximately 90 percent of the shelter's usage, while the county utilizes the remainder. Both governing bodies plan to keep lines of communication open regarding the financial distribution and long-term support of the facility moving forward.

Commissioners support proposed inter-agency steering committee

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Echoing a suggestion raised during the joint session, the Barton County Commission expressed strong support for creating a unified quarterly committee encompassing various local entities. The proposed coalition would include representatives from the city of Great Bend, Barton County, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Barton Community College and Great Bend Economic Development. Formalizing a regular partnership is intended to help direct comprehensive growth and address big-picture investments for the region.

County inks asphalt contract with Venture Corporation

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Barton County Commission approved the purchase of up to 25,000 tons of cold mix asphalt from Venture Corporation at a maximum cost of $33 per ton. By sourcing fresh asphalt directly from Venture's plant southwest of Great Bend, the county aims to avoid the overhead costs associated with on-site production, storage and material aging. Paid from the Road and Bridge fund, the flexible contract ensures the county only pays for the exact amount of asphalt it uses.

Road and Bridge department outlines 2026 overlay plan

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Barton County Road and Bridge Director Chris Schartz announced plans to complete approximately 30 miles of road overlays in 2026, primarily targeting the southeast and northeast quadrants of the county, including the Odin area. Schartz noted that Barton County ranks in the top four statewide for blacktop miles, requiring significant, ongoing maintenance due to heavy agricultural and oilfield traffic. Residents can track weekly road closures and construction progress through the Road and Bridge tab on the county's official website.

County prepares for rural water district project updates

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Barton County Commission scheduled project updates regarding Barton County Rural Water District No. 1 and Russell County Rural Water District No. 3. Officials will meet with rural water district representatives to review the systems' status. The upcoming presentations will factor into broader strategic planning for the county's public utility resources and regional water access.

Three appointed to Fire District No. 2 Board of Trustees

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Barton County Commission appointed three members to the Fire District No. 2 Board of Trustees, filling uncompensated terms that will run through the end of 2028. The newly appointed trustees are Thad Foltz representing Hoisington, Michael McCurry for Eureka Township, and Ray Christians for Albion Township. The trustees provide regional oversight for the district's operations and resources. County officials noted that additional vacancies remain for representatives from Olmitz and North Homestead Township, and applications are still being accepted at the courthouse administrative office.

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