New county building nears completion ahead of May walk-through

New state law could delay routine culvert projects

State representative seeks input on property taxes and mandates

County faces heavy financial burden for bridge replacements

Traffic study recommends safety upgrades at Moundridge intersection

Motor vehicle registration fees set to increase July 1

Out-of-state buyers purchasing agricultural land for hunting raise concerns

Commissioners discuss potential data center regulations

County clears state wildlife agency in flooding dispute

New county building nears completion ahead of May walk-through

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The new McPherson County Building is 98 percent complete, with final touches including exterior paneling, fire system testing and furniture installation currently underway. It was reported that a formal walk-through for the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for May 14 at 8 a.m. Additionally, the commission unanimously approved two expenditures for the new downtown facility: $10,350 for a custom storage work table in the Register of Deeds Vault and $8,200 for five concrete planter boxes to be placed near the main entrance on Maple Street to act as a safety barrier.

New state law could delay routine culvert projects

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — A new state law going into effect July 1 will require local governments to obtain approval from the Chief Engineer of the Division of Water Resources before making any modifications to stream channels, including simple culvert replacements. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey warned the commission that House Bill 2114 redefines stream obstructions and dam structures, effectively removing the county's local administrative authority over minor public works projects. Kinsey noted the mandatory 30- to 45-day review process and potential $10,000 fines for non-compliance could severely delay emergency road and culvert repairs following heavy rains.

State representative seeks input on property taxes and mandates

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — State Rep. Mike King, representing House District 74, addressed the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners Tuesday to discuss avenues for property tax relief and the reduction of unfunded state mandates. During the visit, the commission was asked to identify outdated state requirements — such as mandating noxious weed directors or emergency managers for small counties — that could be consolidated or sunsetted. The commission emphasized that property taxes account for more than half of the county's revenue and requested state assistance in finding alternative revenue streams to alleviate the local tax burden without jeopardizing county services.

County faces heavy financial burden for bridge replacements

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County is currently self-funding a $1 million bridge replacement west of Groveland and bracing for another $3 million bridge project in the near future. During a discussion on public works funding, the commission expressed frustration over a lack of successful grant applications from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Despite ranking in the top 10 statewide for the number of bridges, the county continues to shoulder skyrocketing inflation costs associated with public works and infrastructure maintenance without proportional state aid.

Traffic study recommends safety upgrades at Moundridge intersection

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — A recent traffic study by Kirkham Michael is recommending significant safety improvements at the intersection of Old 81 Highway and Arrowhead Road in Moundridge following a history of collisions. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust told the commission the study suggests installing four-way stops with flashing red lights and rumble strips to slow down traffic, noting that most accidents occur when vehicles on Arrowhead Road pull out in front of oncoming highway traffic. The county will develop cost estimates and collaborate with the city of Moundridge before moving forward with the upgrades.

Motor vehicle registration fees set to increase July 1

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County residents will see a slight increase in their motor vehicle registration bills starting July 1. State legislation now allows county treasurers to charge up to a $10 processing fee per vehicle, an increase from the current $5 baseline. The commission noted the fee increase is necessary to make the motor vehicle department self-sustaining, as the county has historically had to dip into general fund dollars to subsidize the department's standard operations.

Out-of-state buyers purchasing agricultural land for hunting raise concerns

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Concerns are growing over out-of-state individuals purchasing local agricultural land exclusively for recreational hunting. During a legislative update, county officials highlighted that deep-pocketed buyers are significantly outbidding local farmers for acreage, taking viable agricultural land out of production. The commission noted that one neighboring county recently lost 2,200 acres to a single recreational buyer, sparking a broader conversation about the economic impact on the local agriculture industry and potential state-level interventions.

Commissioners discuss potential data center regulations

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The rapid expansion of energy-intensive data centers across the Midwest has prompted McPherson County officials to consider future zoning regulations and potential moratoriums. Following the lead of neighboring Harvey, Saline and Reno counties — which have enacted "pauses" on data center developments — the commission discussed the heavy toll these facilities can take on local water supplies and electrical grids. While McPherson County currently only houses small-scale operations, officials stressed the need to clearly define data centers and establish regional groundwater management strategies to protect local resources.

County clears state wildlife agency in flooding dispute

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The county has concluded a public works review of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' actions during a severe flooding event in Battle Hill Township, which was initiated after complaints from neighboring landowners. Following an 8-inch rainstorm, local farmers had asserted the agency failed to assist with rising waters near Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. However, the public works review stated that state wildlife officials took additional steps beyond their regular duties, such as removing weir timbers to lower the water level by 2 feet and assisting the township in trenching a drainage ditch to mitigate the 200-year rain event. Landowners have not yet publicly responded to the county's latest findings.

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