Barton County to Consider Expanding Fire District No. 2

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The Barton County Commission will hold a public hearing on February 24 to consider expanding the boundaries of Fire District No. 2 to include Fairview, Grant and Wheatland Townships, as well as the City of Galatia. The district was created in 2018 and currently consists of several townships and cities. The commission will hear public comments on the proposed expansion before potentially passing a resolution to expand the fire district.

Why it matters

The expansion of Fire District No. 2 would allow for more coordinated and efficient fire protection services across a larger geographic area, potentially improving emergency response times and resource allocation. As rural communities face challenges with maintaining adequate fire and emergency services, this proposal represents an effort by local officials to address those needs.

The details

Fire District No. 2 was created in 2018 and currently includes Albion, Eureka, North Homestead, South Homestead, and Union Townships, as well as the Cities of Hoisington, Olmitz and Susank. The proposed expansion would add Fairview, Grant and Wheatland Townships, and the City of Galatia to the district. The public hearing will allow residents and stakeholders to provide input before the commission decides whether to approve the expansion through a resolution.

• The public hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on February 24, 2026 in Suite 106 of the Barton County Courthouse.
• The regular Barton County Commission meeting will follow the close of the public hearing on February 24.

What’s next

If the public hearing does not raise significant concerns, the Barton County Commission is expected to pass a resolution at their regular meeting on February 24 to officially expand the boundaries of Fire District No. 2 to include the additional townships and city.