McPherson County Commission Summary
Week of November 4, 2026
Sheriff's office faces rash of vehicle replacements and tow bills
Jail nursing staff reduced to one amid high contract costs
County approves $16,000 payment to Harvey County for coroner services
Hawkinson officially appointed emergency management director
Emergency communications hires new dispatcher, though vacancies remain
County sees influx of accessory dwelling unit applications under new law
Commission approves cybersecurity software to block unauthorized AI platforms
County landfill projected to last 300 years as board approves solid waste plan
Sheriff's office faces rash of vehicle replacements and tow bills
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Sheriff's Office is managing a string of vehicle issues, including a patrol car that was totaled in a crash at First and Main streets shortly after being picked up from an unrelated mechanical repair for a previous deer strike. Because the county had already acquired a replacement for the vehicle, the payout from the crash will cover the loss, though the identities of the driver involved and the repair shop were not immediately disclosed. Additionally, officials reported paying multiple tow bills recently due to Dodge Durangos experiencing overheating issues while out on patrol.
Jail nursing staff reduced to one amid high contract costs
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Jail is operating with a single unnamed nurse after a second nurse resigned recently, but officials say relying on overtime is still far more cost-effective than contracting out the service. During a jail population update, officials noted that a recent bid for 40-hour-per-week coverage from an unidentified private company came in at $250,000 annually. Instead, the county is spending roughly $5,000 a month, or $60,000 annually, to keep the nursing position in-house, a rate that officials maintain is a better deal for taxpayers even when factoring in the added overtime hours required.
County approves $16,000 payment to Harvey County for coroner services
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission approved an expenditure of nearly $16,000 to Harvey County for autopsy and coroner services during the approval of weekly checks and claims. The payment covers McPherson County's portion of a shared services agreement, under which it reportedly pays half the salary of the Harvey County coroner and their secretary to handle local death investigations and autopsies, though the specific names of the coroner staff were not immediately provided.
Hawkinson officially appointed emergency management director
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-25 on Monday, officially appointing Tim Hawkinson as the county's emergency management director. Hawkinson, who was present at the meeting, steps into the permanent leadership role to oversee the county's emergency response, mitigation and disaster preparedness operations.
Emergency communications hires new dispatcher, though vacancies remain
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson County Communications hired an unnamed new dispatcher to join the 911 dispatch team starting Nov. 8, though the department remains below full staffing levels. Director Emily Yates presented the personnel change Monday, noting the new dispatcher brings an extensive background in banking and teaching with McPherson Public Schools. While the addition was welcomed, Yates confirmed the department is still actively working to fill remaining vacancies.
County sees influx of accessory dwelling unit applications under new law
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson County has already received nearly a half-dozen applications for accessory dwelling units since September following a change in state law, planning, zoning and environment director Jon Kinsey reported Monday. The applications are now processed administratively, meaning they no longer require a hearing before the planning board or approval from the county commission. Kinsey anticipates more applications will be filed as the public becomes aware of the simplified process.
Commission approves cybersecurity software to block unauthorized AI platforms
MCPHERSON, Kan. — To combat rising cybersecurity threats, the McPherson County Commission approved an $8,532 annual software subscription to protect against browser-based attacks and restrict unauthorized artificial intelligence tools. Information technology director Jeff Butler said the software will prevent county employees from inputting sensitive citizen data into public AI platforms like ChatGPT, restricting usage instead to the county's designated AI system. The software will also protect the county's network from malicious browser extensions, with the price locked in for three years, though the specific vendor was not named.
County landfill projected to last 300 years as board approves solid waste plan
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission approved a five-year review of the regional solid waste management plan Monday, with officials noting the local Subtitle D landfill at 1462 Pueblo Road has enough capacity to last another 300 years. John Hawk, representing the McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility, also warned about emerging nationwide waste hazards. Hawk noted that landfill fires caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries — commonly found in electronic cigarettes and vapes — have increased by more than 30 percent over the last decade.
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