By Lucky Kidd
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — Barton County Commissioners Tuesday accepted a bid from American Plains Co-op for purchase of 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel for the Landfill at a price of $2.99 a gallon. American Plains was the only firm of three contracted to submit a bid, and by contracting for bulk fuel purchase the county sees a significant cost savings.
The Commission approved a $74,000 contract for design services through Kirkham Michael on a bridge replacement project on NE 20 Avenue about a mile north of the KDOT shops northeast of Great Bend. County Engineer Barry McManaman said this is a narrow bridge they have been looking at replacing for some time, that is being funded in part through state off-system bridge funds. This project will also allow for straightening out of sharp curves in the area of the bridge.
Commissioners have approved a one-year contract extension with County Appraiser Wendy Prosser. When she assumed the position in July 2021, this was for a three-year period. County appraisers in Kansas are usually appointed on a four-year contract, and this extension to June 30, 2025 will allow her to be back on the four-year appointment schedule of other appraisers in Kansas.
The Commission also approved continuation of membership in Great Plains Development, Inc. which focuses on job creation, economic development and quality of life in a 28-county area of Southwest Kansas and adopted a resolution recognizing the Great Bend Bat Cats summer collegiate baseball team.
