McPherson City Commission Summary
Week of September 16, 2026
BPU Proposes $150 Million Bond Plan to Modernize Power Plant 3
BPU crews near completion of Countryside utility project
Public works advances local street and overlay projects
City accepts additional $141,000 grant for Deerfield Estates South
Convention and Visitors Bureau awards local attraction grants
City highlights strategic plan improvements and transparency campaign
BPU Proposes $150 Million Bond Plan to Modernize Power Plant 3
MCPHERSON, Kan. — A resolution declaring intent to issue revenue bonds for a $150 million reliability project at the McPherson Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Power Plant 3 was presented Tuesday. General Manager Josh Bedel said the plant currently has three 1970s-era turbines, and the project would add a modern unit so output holds steady when a turbine is taken down for planned or unplanned maintenance.
BPU has been developing the project since 2022, Bedel said, and the work is expected to be completed in 2030. The $150 million figure includes a 20% contingency, and the project would be financed through three or four annual bond issues. According to the presentation, the rate impact would be minimal — a total increase of 1% to 2%, or roughly $1 to $2 per month for residential customers, once the project is complete. The new unit is also expected to extend the useful life of the existing turbines.
BPU crews near completion of Countryside utility project
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Board of Public Utilities crews are in the final stages of the Countryside overhead and underground utility project. Poles have been topped between North High and North Glen, and the underground crew has one remaining service line to install before restoration and reseeding efforts begin. Meanwhile, the BPU's water division continues its Ash Street main replacement project, currently advancing between Avenue B and Avenue C.
Public works advances local street and overlay projects
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Public Works Department reported significant progress on multiple infrastructure initiatives, including the completion of the South Lakeside street project, which resolved longstanding neighborhood drainage issues. Crews are also actively working on a mill and overlay project in the Heritage area and partnering with McPherson County to conduct crack sealing ahead of upcoming chip seal projects. Residents are encouraged to report potholes or other maintenance issues using the city's SeeClickFix online portal.
City accepts additional $141,000 grant for Deerfield Estates South
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson City Commissioners approved an amendment to the Moderate Income Housing grant agreement, accepting an additional $141,000 from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for the Deerfield Estates South project. City staff noted the extra funds will be passed directly to the buyers of the properties to ensure the homes remain affordable. The amendment also extends the project's timeline to allow for the completion of the remaining eight homes, four of which are slated to begin construction next month.
Convention and Visitors Bureau awards local attraction grants
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Two visitor attraction grants recently approved by the McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau were recognized during the meeting. The McPherson Park Department received $2,390 to support the Lights from the Heartland Christmas lighting display at Lakeside Park. Additionally, the McPherson Chamber of Commerce was awarded $150 to assist with a College Night welcome event held in downtown McPherson.
City highlights strategic plan improvements and transparency campaign
MCPHERSON, Kan. — City Administrator Austin Regehr provided a brief update on the strategic plan, noting that recent internal survey data reflects positive operational improvements within the local government over the past year. Additionally, staff announced the launch of a new social media campaign designed to better communicate with residents and increase transparency regarding how local tax dollars are utilized across various city departments.
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