McPherson local news summary
Week of November 5 2025
Molli Fawl
Commission adopts 2026 budget; mill levy holds at 53.238
Sanitation rates set to rise 5 percent Jan. 1
City advances police technology purchases
County outlines ambitious 2026 road maintenance plan
County focuses on lobbying efforts for future KDOT highway projects
Commission approves grant for Sunflower Santa Fe Trail extension
New county seal designs presented, traditional concept favored
Commission adopts 2026 budget; mill levy holds at 53.238
MCPHERSON, Kan. – The City Commission approved the 2026 budget, keeping the city’s mill levy at 53.238 while exceeding the state’s Revenue Neutral Rate, which will increase property-tax revenue by roughly $279,000. City finance staff said the plan addresses rising operating costs and negotiated pay adjustments. The budget hearing and RNR actions occurred in late August.
Sanitation rates set to rise 5 percent Jan. 1
MCPHERSON, Kan. – Residents will see a 5 percent increase in monthly sanitation charges beginning Jan. 1 after the City Commission cited higher fuel and disposal costs. The public works director said the adjustment is needed to avoid a budget shortfall in the sanitation fund.
City advances police technology purchases
MCPHERSON, Kan. – The City Commission authorized moving forward on police technology upgrades, with body-worn cameras among the items under consideration. The police department said the equipment will improve transparency and officer and public safety. Local purchases would complement recent federal allocations for additional technology.
County outlines ambitious 2026 road maintenance plan
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson County Commission reviewed an extensive road maintenance plan for 2026 that includes milling and overlaying nearly 24 miles of asphalt and applying chip seal to another 33 miles. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust presented the plan during Monday’s meeting, highlighting key projects on a county road north of Galva and another county road south of McPherson. The most significant project involves a 12-mile stretch of Fifth Avenue, which will be milled, overlaid and widened by one foot in each lane to improve safety on the high-traffic route.
County focuses on lobbying efforts for future KDOT highway projects
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Public Works officials encouraged a more unified effort from the county and local cities to lobby for state-funded transportation projects. During a work session, Director David Bohnenblust emphasized presenting projects at the Kansas Department of Transportation’s biennial Local Consult meetings to get them on the state’s priority list. Current projects being discussed or studied include safety improvements along U.S. 56 east of McPherson, the K-4/Bethany Drive overpass in Lindsborg and potential improvements to the K-61 interchange west of the city.
Commission approves grant for Sunflower Santa Fe Trail extension
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The Sunflower Santa Fe Trail will be extended by two miles near Canton after the County Commission gave final approval to a Kansas Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives grant. Michele Cullen of the Central Kansas Conservancy said the project will add a concrete trail through Canton and a limestone trail for one mile heading toward Galva, with construction slated for 2026. Cullen also said the final trail section connecting McPherson and Lindsborg is nearing completion by the end of this year.
New county artwork designs presented, traditional concept favored
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The commission reviewed three initial concepts for a piece of artwork for the new county building, ultimately favoring a design that balances traditional elements with a modern aesthetic. The preferred sketch features a central sunburst with panels depicting the county courthouse, agriculture, industry and education, framed by stalks of wheat. Commissioners discussed incorporating elements from other concepts, such as a depiction of Kansas and words representing community values like integrity and ingenuity. The concepts were presented by Lori Bower of BowerComm and will be refined before coming back for final approval.
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