First-quarter financial report shows budget on track, robust investments

City approves $22,854 purchase for new mosquito sprayer

Weather heavily impacts annual waterpark and golf course attendance

Commission approves final change orders for First Street infrastructure work

Easement acquisitions continue for Tulip Street sewer work

City expands land maintenance agreement with McPherson Recreation Commission

Police department to launch Citizens Academy project with summer intern

Commission approves permit for 2026 Pride event at Wall Park

First-quarter financial report shows budget on track, robust investments

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Finance Director Richard Miller presented the city's first-quarter financial report for 2026, telling the commission that general fund expenditures are on target at 25 percent for the year. Miller highlighted the influx of a $1.7 million temporary note, which was recently used to purchase a new fire department ladder truck. The city's total combined cash and investments as of March 31 stand at more than $34.5 million, including more than $15 million in certificate of deposit investments distributed across multiple local banks.

City approves $22,854 purchase for new mosquito sprayer

MCPHERSON, Kan. — To keep pace with community growth and reduce overnight staffing hours, the commission approved the purchase of a new Grizzly mosquito sprayer from Van Diest Supply Co. for $22,854. The parks department's two existing sprayers are nearly 20 years old, which previously required staff to spray for six to eight hours a night to achieve adequate coverage. Staff said the price reflects a reasonable inflation increase from the original $9,500 units purchased two decades ago. The new equipment will be funded through the Capital Equipment Fund and a parks equipment fund.

Weather heavily impacts annual waterpark and golf course attendance

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The parks and facilities division presented its annual report Tuesday, saying extreme weather in the past year significantly affected city amenities. McPherson Water Park saw a drop of roughly 10,000 visitors compared with the previous year, logging just over 18,600 attendees after losing a record 18 days to weather-related closures. Similarly, Turkey Creek Golf Course lost 34 days of revenue to eight separate flood events, despite still hosting more than 20,000 rounds of golf and 49 tournaments.

Commission approves final change orders for First Street infrastructure work

MCPHERSON, Kan. — With concrete and sealing work wrapped up on a First Street infrastructure project, the commission approved two final change orders to settle the project's accounts. The commission approved a $29,227.80 payment to Kansas Paving for additional curb work and patching that fell outside the original scope. However, the city will recoup some costs through a $4,181.60 deduct change order with Pavement Pros, as the actual quantities of joint sealant used by the contractor were less than originally budgeted.

Easement acquisitions continue for Tulip Street sewer work

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Public works provided an update on local infrastructure projects, saying the city is navigating property easement acquisitions for a Tulip Street sewer project. The department reported this week that the depth of the sanitary sewer line will require temporary easements on the east side to safely manage excavated soil and spoils during construction. Meanwhile, design for a Hickory Street project is complete, with a public meeting scheduled for affected residents ahead of the project going out for bid in late May.

City expands land maintenance agreement with McPherson Recreation Commission

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Following the city's purchase of property near New Hope Evangelical Church in early February, the commission approved an addendum to its land lease agreement with the McPherson Recreation Commission. The updated agreement assigns the commission maintenance responsibilities for an additional two acres of land adjacent to the newly purchased property. The addendum is intended to ensure the newly acquired public space is managed alongside the city's existing recreational properties.

Police department to launch Citizens Academy project with summer intern

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The police department will bring on a summer intern from the University of Kansas to help develop a new Citizens Academy program. Police Chief Mikel Golden requested and received approval for the intern's job description, saying the student will assist with several special projects. The internship will come at no cost to local taxpayers, with the university covering associated expenses and insurance requirements for the student.

Commission approves permit for 2026 Pride event at Wall Park

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The commission approved an event request from the McPherson Social Outreach League to host a 2026 Pride event on June 13 at Wall Park. The family-friendly gathering will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is slated to feature local vendors, business booths, food trucks and live entertainment. Other event permits approved Tuesday included the Canton-Galva High School Junior/Senior Prom, the Mac-Town Race Day Event, and The Ark's Thriftfest planned for Sutherland Street.

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