McPherson local news summary

City to Keep Tax Rate Flat, but Collections Will Rise

Major Rebuild of US-56 (Kansas Ave) Planned for 2027–2028

Recreation Commission Donates $50,000 to City for Pool Costs

Voters to Decide on Sales Tax for EMS Funding in November

Sheriff’s Office Detective Resigns to Join KBI

1. City to Keep Tax Rate Flat, but Collections Will Rise

MCPHERSON – The McPherson City Commission voted to adopt its 2026 budget, which maintains the property tax rate at 53.238 mills, identical to the previous year. However, the city will collect more tax revenue due to rising property valuations, a fact that required the commission to hold a public hearing and formally vote to exceed the “revenue neutral rate”. The approved mill levy is projected to generate approximately $8.287 million in property tax revenue, a 3.5% increase over the prior year, mirroring the increase in assessed valuation. During public comment, one resident noted their personal tax bill had increased by 41% over two years, prompting the mayor to clarify that such increases stem from county-level property valuations, not city tax rate changes.

2. Major Rebuild of US-56 (Kansas Ave) Planned for 2027–2028

MCPHERSON – The City of McPherson is moving forward with a complete rebuild of US-56, known locally as Kansas Avenue, from the US-81 bypass to Maple Street. The project, which involves all four lanes, is scheduled to take place across 2027 and 2028. The city has secured two state CCLIP awards of $1.5 million each (total $3 million in state share) for the corridor. The commission authorized the Public Works Director and other officials to sign the necessary forms to officially program and schedule the extensive road project with KDOT.

3. Recreation Commission Donates $50,000 to City for Pool Costs

MCPHERSON – The McPherson Recreation Commission (MRC) presented the City of McPherson with a donation of $50,000. Brad Bankson, representing the MRC, stated the funds are intended for general recreation needs within the city, with a specific focus on helping to cover costs associated with the city pool. The donation was made on behalf of the entire MRC board, which coordinates with the Greater Wichita YMCA for operations while continuing to serve the City of McPherson.

4. Voters to Decide on Sales Tax for EMS Funding in November

MCPHERSON – A change to how Emergency Medical Services are funded will be on the November ballot for voters to decide. The proposal would implement a half-cent county-wide sales tax to fund EMS, shifting the burden away from the current property tax-based system. Mayor Tom Brown stated that if the measure passes, the City of McPherson has committed to reducing its mill levy by two-and-a-half mills. The sales tax would be implemented for a five-year period, after which its effectiveness would be re-evaluated.

5. Sheriff’s Office Detective Resigns to Join KBI

MCPHERSON COUNTY — The McPherson County Sheriff’s Office is losing a detective to a state-level law-enforcement agency. It was announced during public input that Detective Connor Davis has submitted his letter of resignation to accept a position with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The commission was told that Davis provided good service and work for the county, and he was wished well in his new role.

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