Grant writing services are on the agenda for Tuesday’s Barton County Commission meeting, set for 9 a.m. on Feb. 3 in Suite 106 at the Courthouse, 1400 Main. Citizens may view the live-streamed meeting through Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/3Notd9n.
County Administrator Matt Patzner will present details on grant writing for economic development. In early 2025, the commission hired NQSM Corp., doing business as Hometown Grants, to create up to four grant applications in a 12-month period for $50,004. In August, that contract saw a $12,000 expansion for additional services for Ellinwood and Hoisington. As the commission moves forward with project-based economic development funding, the 2026 agreement has been expanded to include one funding strategy each for Albert and Pawnee Rock, as well as eight grant applications. These may include personnel and construction funding for Central Kansas Community Corrections as well as infrastructure for Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington.
The services are priced at $122,400, with a $24,480 contingency fund.
Other business
Other items on Tuesday’s agenda were:
• Recognition of Rita Sunderland, assistant county attorney, for the Employee Recognition Award.
• Service awards for five, 10, 15, 20 and other years.
• Recognition of Hadley Fleming, Kylee Miessler, Adessa Prosser and Ryann Stryker, who participated in the 2026 Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado, and received fourth place in hippology.
• A report from Commissioner Barb Esfeld on her attendance at the Kansas Legislative Policy Group Winter Meeting in Topeka.
Appointments
Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
9:45 a.m. or following the close of the agenda meeting, planning session with media consultant.
10 a.m., regular business discussion with County Administrator Patzner
10:30 a.m., tax exemption discussion with County Appraiser Wendy Prosser
10:45 a.m., facilities update with Facilities Director Darren Williams.
Sheriff Brian Bellendir is scheduled to join the Feb. 5 broadcast of “The County Edition” at 11:05 a.m. on KVGB-AM.
