Jim Loving sworn in as mayor

City reports strong retail sales tax performance

Commission approves $158,000 payment for new brush truck

Emergency repairs approved for Fire Engine 1

Parks department to construct greenhouse addition

Splash pad foundation costs approved

New mowers purchased for park maintenance

Lakeside Cabin slated for new flooring

Commissioners oppose KDOT plan to close Limestone Road intersection

New county building reaches 78 percent completion

Realtors push for repeal of zoning resolution; commission refers issue to planning board

Jail population fluctuates with 58 inmates in custody

Jim Loving sworn in as mayor

MCPHERSON, Kan. – James (Jim) S. Loving was officially sworn in as the mayor of McPherson during Tuesday’s commission meeting. Loving, who succeeds longtime Mayor Tom Brown, took the oath of office administered by the city clerk, swearing to support the Constitution and laws of the United States and the state of Kansas and to faithfully discharge his duties.

City reports strong retail sales tax performance

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Finance Director Richard Miller presented the fourth-quarter investment summary and budget-to-actual reports, highlighting that retail sales tax revenue came in strong at 104% of the $2.9 million budget. Miller noted that while the city budgeted revenues conservatively, general fund expenditures came in roughly $1.3 million under budget, largely due to savings in wages and transfers.

Commission approves $158,000 payment for new brush truck

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Fire Chief Chad Mayberry received approval for a payment of $158,596 to Weis Fire for the completion of a new brush truck. The commission had previously approved the purchase of two trucks in September, paying for the chassis upon arrival, and this current payment covers the balance due for the first completed truck, with the second truck expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Emergency repairs approved for Fire Engine 1

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Fire Chief Chad Mayberry reported that Fire Engine 1 required unexpected repairs during its annual Department of Transportation inspection after a diesel particulate filter failure required a replacement to meet federal emissions standards. The commission approved the payment to Auto House Truck Repair for a total of $12,333 to cover the filter and associated labor.

Parks department to construct greenhouse addition

MCPHERSON, Kan. – The commission voted to accept a quote from Stuppy Greenhouse for the purchase and installation of a 20-by-30-foot greenhouse addition to the existing facility at the parks department. The total cost for the materials and installation was approved for an amount not to exceed $53,868, plus shipping.

Splash pad foundation costs approved

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Commissioners approved a scope of work change for the water park splash pad project, accepting a price increase for foundation improvements related to the water tank isolation. The approval authorizes a payment to McPherson Quality Air, the project's mechanical contractor, for an additional $15,962, bringing the total project amount for this specific scope to $39,186.

New mowers purchased for park maintenance

MCPHERSON, Kan. – The Public Lands and Facilities department received permission to purchase two Grasshopper 725 DT 61-inch mowers and accessories from Hometown Outdoor Power in McPherson under a state contract. The total cost for the new machinery is not to exceed $53,618, plus shipping.

Lakeside Cabin slated for new flooring

MCPHERSON, Kan. – The commission approved a quote to install luxury vinyl tile at Lakeside Cabin to upgrade the facility’s interior. The renovation cost for the project is capped at $14,260, plus shipping costs.

Commissioners oppose KDOT plan to close Limestone Road intersection

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The board of county commissioners voted unanimously to sign a letter formally objecting to a proposal by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to close the intersection of Limestone Road and U.S. Highway 56. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and local residents expressed concern that closing the intersection, part of a state highway expansion study, would force heavy traffic onto 17th Avenue, a narrow county road ill-equipped for increased volume. The letter urges KDOT to evaluate alternative solutions that preserve local access and economic development near the McPherson Industrial Development Company area.

New county building reaches 78 percent completion

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioner David O'Dell reported that construction on the new county building is approximately 78 percent complete, with the electrical system cutover finished and the facility now running on its own power. O'Dell noted that significant interior work is underway, including the installation of wood doors, bathroom tiling and fire shutter doors, while floor covering is nearly complete on the fifth floor. The project remains on track for the installation of specialized Kardex storage machines in mid-February.

Realtors push for repeal of zoning resolution; commission refers issue to planning board

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - Local realtors urged the commission to repeal Resolution 2510, citing concerns over fines levied on property owners for unpermitted structures that predate current ownership. A representative from Horizon Real Estate Services argued the resolution lacks a "grandfather clause" and unfairly penalizes residents for historic structures or previous contractors' failures. While the commissioners declined to repeal the resolution immediately, they advised the realtors to present their concerns regarding a potential grandfather clause and fee restructuring to the planning and zoning committee for review.

Jail population fluctuates with 58 inmates in custody

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - A representative for the sheriff's office reported that the county jail is currently holding 58 inmates, nearing the facility's functional capacity of 60. The population breakdown includes 49 men and nine women, with the vast majority—50 inmates—being held for district court proceedings. The sheriff's office indicated they are continuing to house some inmates in other jurisdictions due to space constraints and will provide a detailed report on those numbers next week.

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