County approves $252,000 plow dump truck purchase

Public works saves on bridge repair materials

Electrical upgrades approved for McPherson County Law Enforcement Center following outage

McPherson County Courthouse elevator requires $7,154 in repairs

McPherson County Jail continues to outsource inmate housing amid high population

County approves $252,000 plow dump truck purchase

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The McPherson County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a 2026 or 2027 plow dump truck from MHC Kenworth in Salina for $252,686. The new vehicle will replace a 2008 International truck that Public Works Director David Bohnenblust described as a continuous financial drain due to engine and electrical issues. The county will reuse its current salt and sand spreader to save money. The winning bid came in roughly $20,000 to $30,000 under the anticipated budget, with the highest bid for the same specifications reaching $347,000.

Public works saves on bridge repair materials

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The McPherson County Public Works Department received approval to spend up to $9,000 on used concrete blocks for upcoming bridge repairs and low-water crossings. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust told the commission that purchasing the used materials will save the county roughly 40%, or $4,000, compared to buying new blocks. The materials are expected to supply the county's infrastructure repair needs for the next three to four years.

Electrical upgrades approved for McPherson County Law Enforcement Center following outage

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - Following a recent power outage that severely damaged county servers, commissioners approved a $3,484 quote from Hedlund Electric Inc. to rework electrical circuits at the McPherson County Law Enforcement Center. IT Director Jeff Butler explained that the project will pull IT, police and sheriff's department equipment off the 911 center's main battery backup. The technology equipment will remain connected to generator power but will utilize independent, short-term battery backups to prevent future hardware failures during power transfers.

McPherson County Courthouse elevator requires $7,154 in repairs

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The county approved a $7,154 repair quote from Schindler Elevator Corp. to fix a 1990s-era public access elevator at the McPherson County Courthouse. The twin-post elevator, which is necessary for handicap access to the basement, recently leaked hydraulic fluid and has been taken out of service. Officials warned that the wait time for replacement parts is estimated at four to six weeks. Moving forward, the county plans to establish a regular annual maintenance contract for all its elevators to prevent future service lapses.

McPherson County Jail continues to outsource inmate housing amid high population

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The McPherson County Jail is currently holding 55 inmates, prompting the McPherson County Sheriff's Office to continue housing some individuals in neighboring Rice County to keep necessary pods open for separation purposes. The jail reported an active roster of 47 male and eight female inmates, with 54 being held for McPherson County District Court. The McPherson County Sheriff's Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Jerry Montagne, informed the commission that 22 arrests were made over the past week and the ultimate goal is to reduce the local jail population back to the 45-inmate range.

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