County bans data centers and battery storage facilities

Commission updates zoning for accessory dwelling units and storage

New event center approved near county landfill

Overcrowding forces county to outsource inmates

New state bond laws could increase local jail costs

County approves matching funds for airport fuel farm upgrades

County bans data centers and battery storage facilities

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Following a 13-month moratorium and extensive public outcry, McPherson County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to ban utility-scale battery energy storage systems, data centers and hydrogen energy transfer systems in unincorporated areas. The decision, codified in Resolution 2026-21, came after residents expressed strong opposition regarding the facilities' potential impacts on the county's water supply, agricultural land and electrical grid. Commissioners cited a commitment to long-term stewardship and the protection of the county's low-cost energy advantages as primary reasons for the ban.

Commission updates zoning for accessory dwelling units and storage

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — As part of a broader zoning model code update, the McPherson County Commission revised regulations regarding accessory dwelling units and shipping containers. To comply with Kansas Senate Bill 418, accessory dwelling units will now receive administrative approval without requiring public hearings, provided they meet standard sanitation and water guidelines and remain tied to the principal structure. Additionally, the commission removed restrictions that previously prohibited utilizing shipping containers for storage in residential districts.

New event center approved near county landfill

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — A special use permit was unanimously approved for a new event center located on 80 acres of agricultural land near the McPherson County Landfill. The applicant plans to utilize an existing 40-by-60-foot building on the property to host weddings and family events. The project was approved after meeting all sanitation and rural water district guidelines and drawing no formal protests from neighboring property owners.

Overcrowding forces county to outsource inmates

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Jail continues to face capacity challenges, with the facility currently housing 62 inmates and outsourcing an additional 11 prisoners to neighboring counties. Ten inmates are currently being held in Rice County and one in Marion County. A sheriff's office staff member noted that there are currently no juveniles in custody and expressed hope that the overall population numbers will naturally decrease in the coming weeks.

New state bond laws could increase local jail costs

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt advised the commission that Kansas House Bill 2444, which went into effect July 1, could lead to increased housing costs for the McPherson County Jail. The legislation limits judicial discretion by prescribing mandatory secured minimum bonds for certain repeat felony offenders. While the exact financial impact remains uncertain, officials anticipate that more inmates who cannot afford the prescribed bonds may remain incarcerated longer while awaiting trial.

County approves matching funds for airport fuel farm upgrades

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission approved $34,712 in matching funds for the McPherson Airport to replace its 1950s-era underground fuel tanks with a new above-ground system. The county's 5 percent match, which is contingent on an equal match from the McPherson City Commission, will help secure federal and state grants. The design phase is complete, and construction is expected to begin in April to ensure environmental safety and improve aircraft refueling operations.

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