> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # McPherson County Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/mcpherson-county-commission-summary-28/ - Published: 2026-09-15T12:58:49.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-15T12:58:49.000Z - Description: Week of September 15, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: mcj, #summary, dnn # County commission approves 2027 budget, lowers mill levy # Two rural fire districts approved to exceed revenue neutral rate # Motor vehicle transaction fees to double following state law change # Commission mandates four-way stops at Moundridge-area intersections # Engineering contract approved for Arapaho Bridge replacement # Board upheld denial of private water well in Sunset View Estates # 'Haunting at Black Creek' approved for fall season near Galva # Sheriff's office highlights Bearcat deployment, success of Flock cameras --- ### County commission approves 2027 budget, lowers mill levy MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission unanimously approved the 2027 county budget, successfully keeping the property tax rate below the revenue neutral rate. The approved mill levy of 30.869 marks a slight decrease from the previous year, with commissioners noting that essential services were maintained without requiring cuts. McPherson County currently holds only $1.5 million in general obligation bond debt for the solid waste landfill, which is funded entirely through special assessments rather than property taxes. --- ### Two rural fire districts approved to exceed revenue neutral rate MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — While eight of McPherson County's 10 rural fire districts maintained their revenue neutral rates for the upcoming year, the commission approved two districts to exceed the threshold following a public hearing. Fire District 4 in Jackson Township exceeded the rate due to rising general operating expenses. Fire District 10 in New Gottland Township, which contracts with the city of McPherson for fire district services, also exceeded the rate due to increases based on assessed property valuations. Both rate increases were approved via separate roll call votes. --- ### Motor vehicle transaction fees to double following state law change MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County residents will see a higher fee for motor vehicle transactions following the commission's unanimous approval of Resolution 2026-22\. The resolution increases the county's motor vehicle transaction fee from $5 to $10, which is the new maximum allowed without state commissioner approval through 2030\. The McPherson County Treasurer's office requested the increase to prevent the department from operating at a deficit, noting that the base fees had not been significantly updated since 1970. --- ### Commission mandates four-way stops at Moundridge-area intersections MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — In response to a recent double-fatality crash and ongoing safety concerns, the commission approved a $28,175 plan to convert two Moundridge-area intersections into four-way stops. The intersections at Old 81 Highway and Arrowhead Road, and Old 81 Highway and 22nd Avenue, will receive new stop signs, four-way flashing red lights, rumble strips and advance warning message boards. Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust said a recent Traffic Engineering Assistance Program study recommended the changes to reduce severe T-bone collisions caused by drivers failing to yield on Arrowhead Road. --- ### Engineering contract approved for Arapaho Bridge replacement MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission authorized a contract not to exceed $106,778 with Kirkham Michael for engineering and inspection services on the Arapaho Bridge replacement project. The bridge, located a half-mile west of Inman, is slated for an April construction start date. Because the project is partially funded by an 85/15 state match program, the county will only be responsible for roughly $16,000 of the engineering costs. --- ### Board upheld denial of private water well in Sunset View Estates MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Following a substantial debate, the commission upheld the denial of a private water well permit for a family building a home in the Sunset View Estates subdivision. The family requested the well for residential use, citing a $70 monthly rental fee and a 10,000-gallon usage cap on the public Windom water supply required by the city of McPherson's extraterritorial jurisdiction rules. Commissioners sustained the denial to prevent setting a precedent for other homes in the jurisdiction, citing potential health risks and concerns about the future viability of the subdivision's municipal water infrastructure. --- ### 'Haunting at Black Creek' approved for fall season near Galva MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved a temporary event request for the "Haunting at Black Creek," a haunted forest attraction located at 1935 Highway 56 between Galva and McPherson. The organizer confirmed the outdoor event will run on Fridays and Saturdays starting Sept. 25 and continuing through October. During the week of Halloween, the attraction will operate Thursday through Saturday, remaining open until midnight. --- ### Sheriff's office highlights Bearcat deployment, success of Flock cameras MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Sheriff's Office reported utilizing a Bearcat armored vehicle during a recent mutual-aid operation, highlighting the vehicle's value as a vital tactical asset. Additionally, the department reported that its recently installed Flock license plate cameras successfully located an elderly man with dementia who had driven away in a vehicle without his family's knowledge, allowing deputies to intervene safely. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/mcj-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) [Click here for local jail logs](https://cjus.me/mcj-jail?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? 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