McPherson City Commission Summary
Week of October 7, 2026
City advances nearly $1 million grant application for downtown ADA improvements
Commission adopts policy complying with state bathroom law
Police department secures $29,000 grant for forensic camera
Local chaplains donate 10 ballistic shields to police
Commission approves $18,845 Cellebrite software renewal
Police department welcomes new animal control officer
Fire department taps equipment reserve for $22,135 ladder truck repair
Downtown Main Street chip seal completed amid project updates
City advances nearly $1 million grant application for downtown ADA improvements
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The city commission approved a $6,000 preliminary engineering report with Professional Engineering Consultants as the city prepares a Community Development Block Grant application. The grant, which requests just under $1 million, would fund Americans with Disabilities Act improvements at the plaza and the 100 block of West Marlin Street. The proposed project aims to eliminate curbs and level sidewalks with the street to create a fully accessible, barrier-free event space in the downtown corridor.
Commission adopts policy complying with state bathroom law
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution 26-14, establishing a policy for the designation and use of multiple-occupancy private spaces in city-owned and leased public buildings. The resolution brings the city into compliance with Kansas Senate Bill 244, a recently enacted state law that mandates public governmental buildings designate such spaces, like bathrooms and locker rooms, for use by individuals of only one sex.
Police department secures $29,000 grant for forensic camera
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Police Department has secured a $29,000 grant through the governor's office to purchase a specialized forensic camera. Procured through the initiative of a police lieutenant, the high-resolution camera will aid detectives in capturing detailed photographic evidence of critical injuries, such as bruising from strangulation, to assist in prosecuting domestic violence cases.
Local chaplains donate 10 ballistic shields to police
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Police Department will soon receive 10 portable ballistic shields courtesy of local police chaplains. The chaplains raised more than $10,000 to purchase the 20-pound shields, which will be distributed among patrol and investigative units. The equipment provides crucial supplemental protection for officers, victims and witnesses during active shooter or workplace violence incidents, supplementing the department's aging full-body shields.
Commission approves $18,845 Cellebrite software renewal
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved an $18,845 contract renewal for Cellebrite, a digital forensics hardware and software tool utilized by the McPherson Police Department. The technology allows investigators to extract and analyze data from cellphones and other electronic devices, which Police Chief Mikel Golden noted is an invaluable asset in criminal investigations.
Police department welcomes new animal control officer
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Police Department officially introduced its new animal control officer. The new hire brings more than nine years of animal control experience from previous work in Wichita and prior law enforcement experience, having previously served as a certified police officer in Conway Springs and Mulvane.
Fire department taps equipment reserve for $22,135 ladder truck repair
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Fire Department received approval to spend $22,135.35 to repair a cracked engine head gasket on Ladder 10, the city's 2009 Pierce aerial platform. Because the department's apparatus maintenance budget has been depleted by a heavy year of repairs, the commission authorized pulling the funds from an equipment reserve buoyed by the recent sale of two older apparatus. While the city ordered a replacement ladder truck earlier this year, supply chain backlogs mean the new apparatus will not arrive until 2029.
Downtown Main Street chip seal completed amid project updates
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The public works department reported the completion of the downtown Main Street chip seal project, noting that final parking and traffic striping will resume shortly following recent rain delays. During the same update, commissioners approved a $694.70 contract deduction for the ongoing Hickory Street project after crews discovered a section of sanitary sewer piping had a minor offset rather than structural damage, avoiding the need for a full replacement.
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