McPherson City Commission Summary
Week of September 2, 2026
McPherson City Commission adopts 2027 budget
McPherson exceeds revenue neutral rate to fund 2027 operations
Additional street paving and sewer repairs approved for Hickory Street project
City approves nearly $1 million invoice payout for 2025 hail damage repairs
Commission approves local match for McPherson Airport upgrades
McPherson Water Park reports 47 percent increase in seasonal attendance
Commission waives building permit fees for new Habitat for Humanity home
McPherson City Commission adopts 2027 budget
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission unanimously adopted the city’s 2027 budget following a public hearing. Supported by an assessed property valuation of $161.5 million, the budget includes funding for street reconstruction, expansion of city walking and biking trails, and other operational expenses, like the water park. Mayor Jim Loving said the spending plan addresses the needs and wants of most McPherson residents.
McPherson exceeds revenue neutral rate to fund 2027 operations
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Following a dedicated public hearing, the McPherson City Commission voted unanimously to exceed the state-mandated revenue neutral rate. The 2027 budget will be funded by a property tax rate of 53.826 mills, which is 2.666 mills above the revenue neutral rate, generating roughly $8.69 million in ad valorem tax revenue. This is roughly $430,267 over the revenue neutral amount. Finance Director Richard Miller attributed the increase to rising operational costs, the implementation of comprehensive capital improvement plans, and the necessity of fully staffing the police and fire departments.
Additional street paving and sewer repairs approved for Hickory Street project
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Expanding on current infrastructure work, the McPherson City Commission approved multiple change orders for the city's street maintenance plans. An unnamed contractor will receive an additional $39,408 to add the 600 block of Hays Street to the city's annual mill and overlay project. Meanwhile, Prairie Landworks was awarded a $7,150 contract increase for a minor sewer point repair near the intersection of Hickory and Hays streets, which was identified via camera inspection during ongoing road excavations.
City approves nearly $1 million invoice payout for 2025 hail damage repairs
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission authorized staff to process up to $937,021.86 in contractor invoices for repairs related to a severe September 2025 hailstorm. The city has already received roughly $780,000 in insurance payouts and expects the remainder of the funds upon completion of the ongoing roof and building repairs. The insurance claim encompasses restorations for municipal facilities, while city documents show the McPherson Recreation Commission is also separately navigating insurance claim reviews for its own properties.
Commission approves local match for McPherson Airport upgrades
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The city of McPherson will contribute $55,526.92 toward the local share of three federal grant projects at the McPherson Airport, bringing the total project value to approximately $1.66 million. The grants, which feature a 90/10 funding split with the Federal Aviation Administration, will finance pavement, lighting and fuel farm improvements. The city's portion represents a three-way, equal split of the remaining 10 percent local match, divided evenly among the city, McPherson County and the McPherson Airport Authority.
McPherson Water Park reports 47 percent increase in seasonal attendance
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson Water Park concluded a highly successful 2026 season, welcoming 27,407 visitors, representing a 47 percent increase over the 2025 season's baseline of approximately 18,644 visitors. City staff reported that all major attractions remained fully operational throughout the summer, which contributed to the high turnout and a jump in swim lesson participation from 120 to 154 students. The facility is currently undergoing off-season maintenance, including an active recoating of the lazy river.
Commission waives building permit fees for new Habitat for Humanity home
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The city of McPherson will waive all building permit fees for a new McPherson Area Habitat for Humanity home slated for construction at 1112 N. Elm St. The fee waiver, approved unanimously by the city commission, follows the city's previous financial support for the demolition of a dilapidated structure that formerly occupied the lot, clearing the way for the new affordable housing build.
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