McPherson local news summary

City commission backs county-wide EMS sales tax proposal

Strong sales tax revenue boosts city’s third-quarter finances

First Street project may shift to full concrete surface

Donation funds new shade structure for downtown plaza

BPU continues door-to-door lead pipe survey

County comprehensive plan nears final approval

Haunted forest event gains conditional approval

New FEMA floodplain maps issued for county

City commission backs county-wide EMS sales tax proposal

MCPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson City Commission on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution supporting a McPherson County proposal to place a half-cent sales tax on the November ballot to fund Emergency Medical Services. If approved by voters, the tax would provide funding for EMS and ambulance services across the county. Commissioner of Public Lands Gary L. Mehl said the new revenue stream, effective April 1, 2026, could allow the city to reduce its property tax levy by 2.5 to 3 mills in 2027. The proposed tax would be in place for a five-year period.

Strong sales tax revenue boosts city’s third-quarter finances

MCPHERSON, Kan. - The city’s third-quarter financial report shows stronger-than-expected sales tax revenues, which are running approximately $200,000 over budget projections for the year, Finance Director Richard Miller reported Tuesday. Miller attributed the strong performance in part to the turnaround at the CHS refinery. While overall revenues and expenditures are on track, he noted that interest on investments is slightly below target. Miller said the strong sales tax receipts may be the only item requiring a budget amendment later this year. The commission voted to accept the financial report.

First Street project may shift to full concrete surface

MCPHERSON, Kan. - The ongoing reconstruction of First Street may result in a full concrete street rather than an asphalt overlay, Public Works Director Eric Duerksen told the commission Tuesday. The project's scope has changed due to the need for more concrete patching than originally anticipated. Duerksen said engineers are now evaluating the possibility of forgoing the overlay entirely, which would create a more durable, longer-lasting street. The final decision and details are still being worked out as crews continue patching the westbound lanes.

Donation funds new shade structure for downtown plaza

MCPHERSON, Kan. - A new shade structure will be installed over the downtown plaza stage thanks to a $23,000 donation from local residents Sid and Wendy Johnson. The City Commission on Tuesday authorized the mayor to sign the donation agreement. The total cost of the structure is $26,060.50, with the McPherson Main Street organization covering the remaining $3,060.50. City staff thanked the Johnsons for the contribution, calling it an opportunity to build momentum for future enhancements to the plaza.

BPU continues door-to-door lead pipe survey

MCPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson Board of Public Utilities is continuing its door-to-door effort to identify residential water service line materials as part of its lead and copper rule compliance program. BPU General Manager Josh Bedel reported that staff members are visiting homes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to help residents identify their pipes. The BPU needs to gather data from a statistical sample of 300 homes and has so far identified the material type for about 75 of them. Bedel also noted that BPU crews are working on rural line rebuilds and an overhead-to-underground power conversion near Roosevelt Elementary School.

County comprehensive plan nears final approval

McPHERSON COUUNTY, Kan. – The county’s new comprehensive plan is in its final stages of revision and is expected to be adopted later this month, according to Jon Kinsey of the Planning, Zoning & Environment department. Final edits include standardizing population data to official census figures and correcting addresses for several fire stations. The plan, which will guide future growth and development, will be presented to the planning board next week before it comes to the county commission for a final resolution on Oct. 27.

Haunted forest event gains conditional approval

McPHERSON COUUNTY, Kan. – Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary zoning permit for a “haunted forest” event to be held on private property over the next four weekends. The applicant, Cord Nestor, plans to operate a spooky trail and hayride attraction. The approval is contingent on several conditions discussed during the meeting, including securing an insurance policy, limiting hours of operation to midnight and coordinating with the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office to have a deputy on-site for traffic control and security.

New FEMA floodplain maps issued for county

McPHERSON COUUNTY, Kan. – New Federal Emergency Management Agency flood insurance rate maps have been distributed to townships and cities across McPherson County, officials announced Monday. Planning and Zoning staff said the department emailed and mailed the updated maps to local government leaders, as well as to surveying and business companies that will be impacted by the changes. The new maps will be used to determine flood insurance requirements for property owners.

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