By Lucky Kidd
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — Barton County Commissioners Tuesday accepted a proposal from Washington Roofing and Insulation for repair of several buildings at the Road and Bridge complex damaged during the July 2023 storm that caused extensive damage in the Great Bend area. A portion of the just over $89,000 cost has already been reimbursed to the County by a previous insurance carrier.
The Commission also approved purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD crew cab pickup for $52,840.35 from Ehler Chevrolet of Hoisington, which submitted the low bid. County Works Director Darren Williams said this will replace a 2008 Ford F250 they have spent some $21,000 on repairs on and is still having issues three different dealerships have been unable to diagnose.
A change in the membership of Barton County’s 911/Communications Advisory Board was approved. When the Board was created in 2008, the membership included the Barton County Sheriff, police and fire chiefs from Claflin, Ellinwood, Hoisington and Great Bend, a lieutenant from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Road and Bridge Director who at the time also was assistant Emergency Manager. 911 Director Dena Popp recommended substituting the Emergency Management Director for the Road and Bridge Director.
Two maintenance, support and software update agreements related to Barton County’s emergency communications system were approved by Commissioners. Popp said these involve the two 800 MHz repeater towers that were constructed in 2020 using SPARK funds, and a radio console upgrade done in 2022. The two agreements through Motorola Solutions carry a combined price of just under $100,000.
