McPherson County Commission Summary
Week of June 2, 2026
Commission approves temporary moratorium on accessory dwelling units
100-acre industrial rezoning approved for Piping Technologies
Special use permit granted for new event venue and tree farm
Sheriff's office reports declining jail population, lowering out-of-county costs
Council on Aging cites funding cuts, urges increased county support
Commission approves temporary moratorium on accessory dwelling units
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on permits for accessory dwelling units and second residential units. McPherson County Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey proposed the pause in response to a new state law that goes into effect July 1 and allows the structures by right in residentially zoned areas. The moratorium, which bridges the gap until local regulations can be updated to align with the new state law, is expected to be lifted by mid-September.
100-acre industrial rezoning approved for Piping Technologies
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a zoning amendment to change 100 acres of agricultural land just north of McPherson to a light industrial designation. The applicant, Piping Technologies, intends to use the property to expand its pipeline support business, adding a paint booth and a hydro-testing facility. While the commission briefly debated the loss of agricultural land versus supporting local business growth, it ultimately agreed the expansion makes sense because it sits adjacent to an existing industrial space and the city's municipal boundary.
Special use permit granted for new event venue and tree farm
MCPHERSON, Kan. — A 10-acre property along 4th Avenue between Cheyenne and Chisholm Roads west of Inman will soon become a Christmas tree farm and special event venue following the commission's unanimous approval of a conditional use permit. An applicant plans to operate the tree farm for about 60 days a year and host events, such as weddings, in a 55-by-80-foot building capable of accommodating up to 200 guests. The McPherson County Planning Board previously recommended approval with specific conditions regarding music, lighting and operating hours, with one change increasing the number of days of use allowed during the year.
Sheriff's office reports declining jail population, lowering out-of-county costs
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County jail population has dropped to 49 inmates, a decline that will allow the county to bring back inmates currently housed in neighboring jurisdictions. Sheriff Jerry Montagne reported receiving a $9,500 bill from Rice County for housing local inmates in April, but noted the reduced local headcount will eliminate the need to pay for out-of-county housing moving forward. The commission also approved the hiring of a new detective and the promotion of a correctional officer to deputy sheriff.
Council on Aging cites funding cuts, urges increased county support
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson County Council on Aging Director Terry Bolte and several local senior center directors presented their 2027 budget request to the commission, highlighting significant challenges from state and federal funding cuts, rising insurance and vehicle maintenance costs. The council requested a roughly 9.5 percent funding increase to help sustain services, which include meals, activities and medical transportation. Representatives noted that while McPherson, Inman and Lindsborg provide municipal support, several other county municipalities do not currently contribute to the agency.
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