Council approves design contract for $9.1 million pool project

Protest period authorized for pool general obligation bond

City forgives $124,000 loan to dragstrip association

Council member demands transparency on stalled Innovation Center

Council split on motion regarding county tax statements

Commission extends media contract; commissioner abstains due to family tie

New trustee appointed for Beaver Township

Chair reviews 2025 achievements; next meeting moved to Monday

Treasurer warns of negative impact from state banking legislation

Unanticipated revenue aided in property tax reductions

Western Kansas legislative group dues increase approved

County renews membership in Natural Resource Coalition

Council approves design contract for $9.1 million pool project

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The city council unanimously approved a design concept and contract with JEO Consulting Group for a new municipal swimming pool. The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $9.15 million, with construction slated to begin in Sept. 2026 and a grand opening expected by late May 2027. The council authorized a contract with JEO Consulting Group for $705,000 to cover design, bidding and construction administration, plus a $150,000 allowance for resident project representation. The new 11,047-square-foot facility will replace the current pool at Brit Spaugh Park built in 1936 and will feature a 215-foot lazy river, diving boards, a climbing wall and two large slides.

Protest period authorized for pool general obligation bond

GREAT BEND, Kan. - In a preparatory step for the new pool construction, the council voted to initiate a notice and protest period for a general obligation bond. Under state statute, the city must publish a notice for two weeks, triggering a 30-day period during which residents can file a protest petition requiring at least 5 percent of voters to block the issuance. The bond, planned for 2027, would be paid via the city's existing 0.15 percent quality-of-life sales tax, with estimated annual payments of $566,000 over 20 years.

City forgives $124,000 loan to dragstrip association

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The council voted unanimously to forgive a loan balance of $124,195 owed by the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association. The original loan of $156,195 was issued for concrete crash walls during the construction of the previous dragstrip, and the association had been making annual interest-free payments of $16,000. City Administrator Logan Burns stated that forgiving the debt was a necessary formal step in light of the current reconstruction of the SRCA Dragstrip and tower, as well as recent lawsuit settlements.

Council member demands transparency on stalled Innovation Center

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Council member Gary Parr called for greater transparency regarding the Ignite Innovation Center Monday, following the recent halt in construction that has left residents asking if the project will ever be completed. Parr addressed the "public outcry" sparked after the project's general contractor reportedly removed their mobile office from the site this week. Parr noted that residents are "crying out for answers" regarding the status of the multi-million dollar facility, which was paused in November due to a funding shortfall estimated at over $1.3 million. Parr requested that a member of the Great Bend Economic Development Board address the council directly. He argued that the new Economic Development Director, Jason Kuilan, cannot adequately answer questions about the original funding decisions or the current construction void because he was not involved in the project's inception. "You're going to have to have some type of general contractor to oversee all of that," Parr said, emphasizing the visual lack of progress at the site.

Council split on motion regarding county tax statements

GREAT BEND, Kan. - In a 5-3 split vote, the council passed a motion to formally request that Barton County break out tax entities more thoroughly on future property tax statement pie charts. Council member Jolene Biggs argued the current charts are misleading because they group the city with other entities, suggesting an overall tax dollar increase despite Great Bend holding its levy flat. County Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson and Treasurer Jim Jordan attended the meeting to defend the current format, noting that city representatives failed to attend a prior meeting where this was discussed. Council members Cory Urban, Davis Jimenez and Gary Parr voted against the motion.

Commission extends media contract; commissioner abstains due to family tie

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Barton County Commission approved a media consultant agreement with Elle Hutchinson for the 2026 fiscal year during its regular meeting. Under the agreement, the consultant will be paid to handle public relations, press releases, social media consultation, and videography. County Administrator Matt Patzner noted the goal is to increase the transparency and visibility of county services. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson recused himself from the discussion and abstained from the vote because the consultant, Elle Hutchinson, is his daughter. The remaining commissioners voted to approve the contract.

New trustee appointed for Beaver Township

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The commission accepted the resignation of Jennifer Steinert, effective Dec. 31, 2025, following that trustee's move out of the township. To fill the vacancy, the commission appointed Brian Miller as the new trustee. Miller's term will begin on Jan. 1, 2026, and is set to expire on Jan. 8, 2029.

Chair reviews 2025 achievements; next meeting moved to Monday

GREAT BEND, Kan. — In closing remarks regarding the 2025 term, Commission Chair Tricia Schlessiger highlighted the success of "Travel 389," an initiative where commissioners visited over 40 local businesses to gather taxpayer feedback. Other noted achievements included shifting to project-based economic development, utilizing "hometown grants" and altering road overlay methods to save money. The commission also announced a schedule change, setting the next regular meeting for Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 9 a.m., rather than the usual Tuesday slot.

Treasurer warns of negative impact from state banking legislation

GREAT BEND, Kan. — County Treasurer Jim Jordan warned commissioners that House Bill 2152 could have detrimental effects on county finances. While the bill aims to keep invested money within Kansas, Jordan argued it removes the county's ability to negotiate interest rates directly with banks, potentially lowering investment returns. Jordan described the legislation as "great for the banking business and horrible for the county," predicting that budgeting for interest income will become more difficult in the coming year.

Unanticipated revenue aided in property tax reductions

GREAT BEND, Kan. — During a discussion on county finances, commissioners highlighted that unanticipated revenue, primarily from interest and the sale of tax credits, allowed the county to lower property tax collections by approximately $280,000 annually since 2021. Officials noted that $1.2 million of the recent revenue surplus came from the sale of tax credits used to renovate the courthouse. However, the treasurer cautioned that if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates in 2026, this revenue stream could decrease.

Western Kansas legislative group dues increase approved

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The commission voted to renew its membership with the Kansas Legislative Policy Group for 2026 at a cost of $6,273.67. This represents an increase of nearly $1,370 from the previous year. Commissioners explained the cost hike is necessary to provide the first pay raise in 20 years for the attorneys representing the coalition. The bipartisan group focuses on preserving the tax base and local control for western Kansas counties, notably securing a settlement regarding the oil and gas depletion trust fund.

County renews membership in Natural Resource Coalition

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a $5,000 membership renewal for the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition. The organization coordinates legal and policy responses to federal government actions affecting land use and natural resources. Commissioners cited the coalition's value in representing the county on issues such as the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge water rights dispute, the listing of the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species and the proposed Midwest-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.

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