McPherson City Commission Summary
Week of July 15, 2026
City commission approves intent to exceed revenue neutral rate
Proposed property tax rate would remain nearly flat
Inflation cited during budget process
City sets date for budget and tax hearings
Budget fully funds police and fire staffing, substation
City to conduct lidar street survey under new capital plan
Active transportation and wastewater improvements funded
Upgrades planned for Hess and Challenger parks
City budget includes 2027 cemetery expansion project
City commission approves intent to exceed revenue neutral rate
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission unanimously approved a revenue neutral rate resolution at a special meeting, declaring its intent to exceed the revenue neutral property tax rate of 51.160 mills for the upcoming budget year. By passing the resolution, the city is legally authorized to publish public notices regarding its proposed tax increase and proceed with the official budget adoption process.
Proposed property tax rate would remain nearly flat
MCPHERSON, Kan. — City officials have proposed a mill levy for the 2027 budget, aiming to keep the tax rate nearly flat at 53.826 mills compared to previous cycles. According to city staff, the generated funds will support the general fund as well as the library, capital outlay projects, the industrial development fund, public safety and debt service.
Inflation cited during budget process
MCPHERSON, Kan. — During the special meeting, it was noted that the overall cost of operating the city has increased due to inflation. Despite rising expenses for materials and services, the proposed tax rate was kept nearly flat by closely examining budget requests and minimizing operating costs while maintaining current municipal service levels.
City sets date for budget and tax hearings
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission will hold a combined revenue neutral rate and budget hearing on Sept. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Municipal Center. Residents will receive notices of the city's proposed tax rate by mail in the coming weeks. During the hearing, the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide input before a final roll call vote is taken to formally adopt the budget.
Budget fully funds police and fire staffing, substation
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The proposed McPherson city budget prioritizes public safety by including funding to fully staff both the police and fire departments. In addition to personnel costs, the budget covers the operating expenses associated with the city's two fire stations and police facilities, including the new downtown substation, helping ensure continued emergency response capabilities for the community.
City to conduct lidar street survey under new capital plan
MCPHERSON, Kan. — As part of the upcoming budget, McPherson will fund a light detection and ranging (lidar) survey of city streets to comprehensively assess pavement conditions. This high-tech scanning survey will be integrated into a capital improvement and maintenance plan, helping local officials better evaluate infrastructure needs and prioritize future road repairs.
Active transportation and wastewater improvements funded
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Infrastructure upgrades beyond standard street maintenance are slated for the upcoming budget, including targeted enhancements for hiking, biking and sidewalks throughout McPherson. Additionally, the budget allocates funds for necessary improvements and ongoing maintenance at the city's wastewater treatment plant.
Upgrades planned for Hess and Challenger parks
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The proposed city budget allocates specific funds for recreational improvements at Hess Park and Challenger Park. Alongside these new park upgrades, the budget includes ongoing maintenance funding for the McPherson Water Park and the Turkey Creek Golf Course, continuing the city's investment in outdoor community facilities.
City budget includes 2027 design for a future cemetery expansion project
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson city officials announced plans for a cemetery expansion design design project as part of the proposed 2027 budget. The expansion aims to address future capacity needs for the community, with funding allocated from the newly proposed property tax revenues and managed through the city's capital outlay funds.
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