McPherson City Commission Summary
Week of March 17, 2026
City transfers EMS operations to McPherson Hospital
Undercover drug task force detective steps down after seven years
Police secure 2026 ammunition supply for $15,955
Fire department to build training facility using shipping containers
City approves $198,000 for drainage easements
Parks staff highlight recent park upgrades
Commission greenlights 2026 fireworks display and spring events
Commission releases $249,000 for high school manufacturing program
City transfers EMS operations to McPherson Hospital
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission approved a new emergency medical services (EMS) agreement, officially transferring the city's ambulances and related equipment to McPherson Hospital. Effective April 1, 2026, the hospital will assume full operational control of the EMS service. As part of the transition, the city will direct its city share of the countywide 0.5 percent EMS sales tax (approved by voters in November 2025) to the hospital to help fund operations.
Undercover drug task force detective steps down after seven years
MCPHERSON, Kan. — A detective presented his final report to the commission during his last week with the McPherson Police Department's drug task force. During seven years working undercover, he seized 12.3 pounds of methamphetamine, 58 pounds of marijuana and more than 23,000 fentanyl pills. His work, which included partnering with state and federal agencies to shut down drug operations originating in Wichita, led to the seizure of more than 20 firearms and resulted in over 300 years of prison time for offenders. He will remain in the area in a new position that will continue to assist the department.
Police secure 2026 ammunition supply for $15,955
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Police Department received approval to purchase its 2026 ammunition supply from two vendors for a total of $15,955. The purchase includes $12,975 for practice range ammunition from Armscor and $2,980 for duty ammunition from Sunset Law Enforcement. Police leadership noted that the selected bids saved the city thousands of dollars compared to retail quotes from sporting goods stores like Cabela's and Scheels.
Fire department to build training facility using shipping containers
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Fire Department will receive four 40-foot shipping containers to augment its training facilities behind Fire Station No. 2. The commission approved the $17,400 purchase from a Hutchinson-based vendor. The high-cube, one-trip containers will be delivered and installed once the city coordinates with public works to complete necessary site preparation and foundation work.
City approves $198,000 for drainage easements
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The commission approved the purchase of permanent easements for the Tulip Alley Drainage Project at a cost not to exceed $198,000. The easements, located between Avenue A and Skancke Street, will allow the city to run necessary sanitary and stormwater sewer lines through residential backyards. Public works staff will negotiate the final purchase prices with homeowners based on county appraisals, noting that the project will require the relocation of several residential fences and sheds.
Parks staff highlight recent park upgrades
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Parks staff updated the commission on several completed and ongoing park projects, including new shade structures at the plaza funded by local donations from a local family and the Rotary Club. The department has also completed a retaining wall and pumphouse at Turkey Creek Golf Course, replaced clubhouse lighting and installed new flooring in a park cabin. Additionally, the city is progressing on the Challenger Park butterfly garden and announced the planting of 25 new trees as part of the park's master plan.
Commission greenlights 2026 fireworks display and spring events
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The 2026 All Schools Day Fireworks Show is officially set after the commission approved an $8,500 contract with a fireworks contractor. Alongside the fireworks, the city approved a slate of upcoming community events utilizing public park spaces. Approved events include community events on March 28 and March 29, a 5K race on April 4 and a community event on April 18.
Commission releases $249,000 for high school manufacturing program
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson High School will launch the SME PRIME program, a nationally recognized manufacturing initiative, following a release of funds held by the city. The commission authorized the release of up to $249,000 from the McPherson Industrial Development Company's city-held reserve to help fund the hands-on training program. Three local manufacturers have already committed $251,000 to the initiative, which is designed to provide students with industry-recognized credentials and direct pathways into the local manufacturing workforce.
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