McPherson local news summary

BPU Awards $1.6 Million Contract for Major Transmission Line Upgrade

Fire Department Acquires New Safety House, Trainer Through Donations

BPU Seeking Public's Help to Complete Lead Pipe Survey

Wet Weather Stalls Progress on Major City Road Projects

Commissioners Approve 2026 Budget with One Mill Levy Increase

New County Floodplain Maps to be Unveiled After Six-Year Wait

BPU Awards $1.6 Million Contract for Major Transmission Line Upgrade

MCPHERSON - The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is moving forward with a major infrastructure overhaul, awarding a $1.6 million contract to TransAmerican Power Products for the purchase of new poles. The poles are for a complete rebuild of the six-mile transmission line between the East Substation and the JM 115 substation near the power plant. The BPU General Manager stated the massive project is slated for the fall of 2026 and that bids for other materials like conductors and insulators are being finalized.

Fire Department Acquires New Safety House, Trainer Through Donations

MCPHERSON - Thanks to community support, the McPherson Fire Department has acquired an inflatable safety house and an electronic fire extinguisher trainer for public education. Fire Chief Chad Mayberry announced that donations to the fire prevention fund covered the purchases, which will be used at schools and community events. The new equipment was scheduled to be demonstrated for the commission following the meeting. Chief Mayberry extended his gratitude to the community for its generous support.

BPU Seeking Public's Help to Complete Lead Pipe Survey

MCPHERSON - The BPU is struggling to gather necessary data for a federally mandated lead and copper pipe analysis and is asking for the public's help. The utility needs to inspect water service lines on the customer side of the meter for a statistical sample of approximately 300 homes. With limited success from phone calls, BPU staff will now conduct door-to-door visits in the evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to gather the required information.

Wet Weather Stalls Progress on Major City Road Projects

MCPHERSON - Persistent rain has significantly hampered progress on several key road construction projects across the city, according to the Public Works Director. Crews on one affected street, North Elm, and Northview have been forced to spend time pumping water rather than advancing construction. Despite the delays, some progress has been made, including laying a gravel base on the affected street and asphalt millings on North Elm. Work on the First Street patching project also continues as weather permits.

Commissioners Approve 2026 Budget with One Mill Levy Increase

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The McPherson County Commission formally adopted the 2026 county budget following a public hearing Tuesday, approving a one mill levy increase. The new budget exceeds the revenue neutral rate, a move administrators say is necessary to fund major infrastructure projects and future needs. The County Administrator cited the ongoing $7.5 million county building remodel, an estimated $6 to $9 million in upcoming bridge projects, and future costs for courthouse security and renovations as key drivers for the increase. The one mill increase is equivalent to an additional $11.50 in property tax per $100,000 of a home's market value.

New County Floodplain Maps to be Unveiled After Six-Year Wait

MCPHERSON COUNTY - Residents and community leaders will soon see proposed new floodplain maps for the first time since the project began in 2018. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey announced that state officials will host a meeting to present the new maps on September 24th at 10 a.m. at McPherson City Hall. The updated maps are a critical tool for property owners, developers, and emergency managers and will go to FEMA for final approval after local review.

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