BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — The Barton County Commission honored former County Treasurer Jan Karlin during the Commission Meeting on Tuesday April, 15, proclaiming April 8, 2025 as Jan Karlin Day in honor of Karlin’s long and trailblazing service to Barton County. Karlin passed away on April 7, and her family was present for the presentation of the proclamation.
Commissioner Donna Zimmerman, a former Barton County Clerk, presented the proclamation and outlined her service to the county. Karlin first went to work for Barton County in 1980 as a payroll clerk in the County Clerk’s Office, later adding duties in what would become the county’s IT office, being the first courthouse employee to operate a computer. Karlin was elected County Treasurer in 1986 and served in that position for 20 years.
As County Treasurer, Karlin was instrumental in collection of delinquent property taxes including initiating the first delinquent tax sale Barton County had held in years, along with cross training of employees and as a champion of women in the organization, promoting professional development while being mindful of their obligations as wives, mothers, an in the community.
Commissioner Barb Esfeld, a former appraiser in Barton and Russell Counties, said Karlin also assisted other Treasurers around Kansas, citing as an example of assistance she provided then Russell County Treasurer Judy Corley when computers were added to her office., assistance Karlin provided to many counties around Kansas.
Commission chair Tricia Schlessiger said Karlin leaves a legacy that made a huge impact on the county, and also her personally.
Later in the meeting Commissioners Tuesday approved purchase of culverts for the Hidden Hills Housing Development near Claflin. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said this development will include between 10-15 homes and is an example of economic development assistance.
The Commission approved the Ellsworth County Commission recommendation that Dr. Joshua Barr be appointed deputy coroner for the 20th Judicial District. In approving routine adds and abates to the county’s tax rolls, County Clerk Bev Schmeidler noted most of these are Board of Tax Appeals adjustments or payments in protest. It was also noted the Board of Tax Appeals has been some two years behind in processing exemptions, such as for small producing oil wells.
