McPherson local news summary

County to Place Half-Cent Sales Tax for Ambulance Services on November Ballot

McPherson County Drug Court to Launch in September

Major Road Work Progressing on Myers, Maxwell, Elm, and First Street

City Approves Spending Increase for Water Park Repairs

Sheriff Hires New Deputy, Reaching Full Staffing

1. County to Place Half-Cent Sales Tax for Ambulance Services on November Ballot

MCPHERSON COUNTY - McPherson County residents will decide this November whether to approve a new one-half percent countywide retailer sales tax to fund emergency medical and ambulance services. The McPherson County Commission unanimously approved a resolution to place the question on the November 4, 2025 ballot. If passed, the tax is projected to generate nearly $4 million annually, with proceeds distributed among ambulance services in McPherson, Lindsborg, Moundridge, and Rural Fire District 1 (Canton) and Rural Fire District 2 (Marquette). Proponents argue the tax will provide a dedicated funding stream for critical services, allowing for equipment upgrades and improved operations, while also offering property tax relief. As part of the plan, McPherson County has committed to a 1.5 mill levy reduction in 2027 if the measure is approved, with various cities also indicating potential mill levy decreases. The proposed tax includes a five-year sunset clause, requiring voter reapproval to continue beyond that period.

2. McPherson County Drug Court to Launch in September

MCPHERSON COUNTY - McPherson County is set to launch a new Drug Court program aimed at reducing recidivism by providing intensive treatment and supervision for felony offenders with substance abuse issues. District Court Judge Jason Lane announced the program’s first session will be held on September 9. The program will initially focus on a small group of post-conviction individuals who have struggled with traditional probation, with plans to eventually expand to serve 25 to 30 participants. Funded initially by a Drug Endangered Children in Kansas (DECK) grant (KDHE/KADEC), the court will utilize a team-based approach involving the judiciary, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, and mental health providers from Prairie View and CKF Addiction Treatment to offer “wraparound services” that address issues like employment and housing. The program, which has seen success in raising probation success rates to 84% in Harvey County, aims to provide immediate responses to relapses, a stark contrast to the often lengthy delays in the traditional probation system.

3. Major Road Work Progressing on Myers, Maxwell, Elm, and First Street

MCPHERSON - Public Works officials reported significant progress on several major road projects throughout the city. On North Myers Street, crews have completed earthwork and are setting up for new curbs and driveways, though a minor delay occurred due to the discovery of a shallow gas line that Kansas Gas Service is now relocating. On Maxwell Street, the mill and overlay project is nearing completion, with crews finishing patching work and preparing to lay the final asphalt overlay. Meanwhile, work continues on Elm Street with new curbs and sidewalks being poured. The city is also preparing for its next major project: a mill and overlay of First Street from the railroad tracks west to Highway 81, with crews already marking areas for repair.

4. City Approves Spending Increase for Water Park Repairs

MCPHERSON - The McPherson City Commission approved an additional $10,000 for ongoing testing and repairs at the McPherson Water Park, raising the total project budget to $25,000. The initial budget of $15,000 was exceeded due to unforeseen repair costs. Public Lands and Facilities officials stated the expanded scope of work is critical to ensure the integrity of the waterline testing and to develop a comprehensive repair strategy for the facility. The motion to approve the additional $10,000 expenditure was passed unanimously.

5. Sheriff Hires New Deputy, Reaching Full Staffing

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The McPherson County Sheriff’s Office is now fully staffed with the hiring of its newest deputy, Gus Buterakos. Buterakos, who was formally introduced to the County Commission, comes to the county from the Wichita Police Department and is a certified officer. In addition to his law enforcement experience, he also serves as an Army MP. The sheriff reported a weekly jail count of 36 inmates and 20 arrests for the week.

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