McPherson County Commission Summary
Week of February 24, 2026
Sheriff Montagne reports jail near capacity, civil process numbers rising
Commission authorizes structural assessment of law enforcement center
Sheriff's office to update fleet with three new patrol vehicles
Emergency Management Director Yates secures new vehicle and finalizes Windom Tower project
County to issue tax refunds following Lindsborg mill levy adjustment
Planning board drafting regulations for data centers and alternative energy
County approves chemical purchases for noxious weed control
Safety upgrade approved for county building remodel
Sheriff Montagne reports jail near capacity, civil process numbers rising
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Sheriff Jerry Montagne presented the annual report to the McPherson County Commission, revealing the jail is nearing its 60-inmate capacity with 57 current detainees. While notices to appear decreased from 1,438 in 2024 to 1,124 in 2025 due to training schedules, the department recorded a rise in civil process service to 4,209 papers and an increase in protection orders to 1,108.
Commission authorizes structural assessment of law enforcement center
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission authorized a contract not to exceed $17,500 with CGL, a nationwide facility maintenance firm, to perform a comprehensive structural and systems assessment of the 32-year-old Law Enforcement Center. The board selected CGL over a higher bid to evaluate the roof, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and security systems over the next three to four months to identify necessary capital improvements.
Sheriff's office to update fleet with three new patrol vehicles
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners approved the purchase of three Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles from Midway Motors for a total not to exceed $124,122 to modernize the Sheriff's Office fleet. The local dealership provided the lowest bid at $41,374 per unit, and the county intends to offset costs by selling four older patrol units and one asset forfeiture truck through Purple Wave auction services.
Emergency Management Director Yates secures new vehicle and finalizes Windom Tower project
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Emergency Management Director Emily Yates received authorization to replace a 2014 vehicle with a 2026 Chevy Tahoe fully outfitted by Superior Emergency Response Vehicles for $65,695.50 to support hazmat and rehab operations. The commission also finalized the Windom Tower project, approving a final payment of $71,357.67 to L3Harris after confirming all punch-list items were resolved.
County to issue tax refunds following Lindsborg mill levy adjustment
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved a tax abatement report totaling $55,063.70 after learning that the City of Lindsborg lowered its budget by one mill after county tax statements were printed. County Clerk Hollie Melroy indicated that 1,965 records require adjustment, necessitating refund checks for those who paid in full or modifications to second-half payments for remaining balances.
Planning board drafting regulations for data centers and alternative energy
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — County planning officials are drafting zoning regulations for data centers, battery energy storage and alternative energy industries following an informational meeting on the technologies. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey reported that staff is currently reviewing similar regulations from other jurisdictions, including Lane County, with public hearings on the proposed amendments tentatively scheduled for the spring.
County approves chemical purchases for noxious weed control
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission authorized the Public Works weed department to purchase spring chemicals from Van Diest Supply Co. for up to $32,097.70, including herbicides targeting Johnson grass. To assist with spraying in difficult terrain, the board also approved the acquisition of a new 100-gallon boomless sprayer and a Can-Am Defender utility vehicle.
Safety upgrade approved for county building remodel
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — As part of safety upgrades for the newly remodeled county administration building, the commission voted to purchase four automated external defibrillators from Cardio Partners for $6,008. The acquisition ensures that life-saving AED equipment will be accessible on every floor of the facility.
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