McPherson local news summary
Week of November 25 2025
Public works reports progress on street projects
Police department to install surveillance cameras at 10 locations
Commission approves wage adjustment for city staff
Sewer rates set to increase for residents
Stormwater utility fee raised to $11 monthly
Commission receives update on county building renovation
Commissioners wary of KDOT proposal to close Limestone Road
Public works prepares for winter weather
Rising costs for juvenile detention services raise concerns
Public works reports progress on street projects
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The public works director reported that crews have completed sidewalk work on the 800 block of Myers Street and have reopened First Street to traffic following extensive patching. While some potholes remain on First Street, the director assured the commission that temporary measures are in place until crews can return to finish patching after the new year. The commission also approved a final change order of $2,709 to close out the Myers Street project.
Police department to install surveillance cameras at 10 locations
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson Police Department received approval to spend remaining federal congressional appropriations on a citywide camera system. The commission authorized a contract with INA Alert not to exceed $175,000 for the installation, networking and servers for cameras at 10 strategic locations. The funding comes from a previous $275,000 appropriation, a portion of which was previously used for a command trailer.
Commission approves wage adjustment for city staff
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The city commission voted unanimously to adopt a new compensation policy and wage scale following a comprehensive study by the Arnold Group. A representative from the consulting firm presented findings that identified “pay misalignment” and wage compression among long-term staff. The approved plan, effective Nov. 24, 2025, includes a $936,000 budget impact to implement a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment and realign employee steps to address compression, ensuring competitive pay and retention for current employees.
Sewer rates set to increase for residents
MCPHERSON, Kan. - Commissioners approved Ordinance No. 3452, authorizing an increase in city sewer rates. Under the new fee structure, the base monthly rate will rise from $21 to $22. Additionally, the usage rate will increase by 10 cents per 1,000 gallons. The city administrator noted that the usage increase will also apply to recreational vehicle pad sites, though their base rate remains unchanged.
Stormwater utility fee raised to $11 monthly
MCPHERSON, Kan. - In a move to adjust utility revenues, the commission adopted Resolution 25-17, modifying the city’s stormwater utility fees. The decision increases the monthly assessment for residents from $10 to $11, effective Jan. 1. This adjustment was presented as part of the city’s annual budget hearing process regarding utility assessments.
Commission receives update on county building renovation
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - One of the commissioners reported that the renovation of the new county building is 76 percent complete. Major progress has been made on the interior, with sheet rock installation finished and painting underway on floors two through five. Floor covering installation is scheduled to begin Dec. 1, starting on the fifth floor and working down. The commission also discussed implementing a smart water leak detection system to protect the infrastructure and is exploring potential parking ordinances for the facility.
Commissioners wary of KDOT proposal to close Limestone Road
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - The public works director alerted the commission to a proposal by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) regarding U.S. Highway 56 improvements. KDOT is proposing the closure of Limestone Road where it intersects with U.S. 56. County officials expressed concern about the plan, noting that many local drivers use Limestone to bypass the highway and downtown traffic. The commission plans to review detailed drawings and potentially lobby against the closure during upcoming consultations.
Molli Fawl
Public works prepares for winter weather
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - With winter weather forecasted for the holiday weekend, the public works department reported that three-fourths of the county’s truck fleet is rigged and ready for snow removal. Crews planned to brine heavily traveled roads ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday to test equipment and drivers. The director noted that while the department will be off for the holiday, they are prepared to respond if the incoming weather system deteriorates.
Rising costs for juvenile detention services raise concerns
MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. - During the review of checks and claims, commissioners flagged rising costs associated with juvenile services. The board noted payments totaling approximately $27,000 to entities including Reno County Youth Services, Douglas County Criminal Justice and a regional juvenile detention provider in north central Kansas. One commissioner noted that the expenses are "pushing a limit" regarding the budget and are significantly higher than historical averages for housing juvenile offenders.
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