McPherson – Week of June 25

Airport Faces Critical Contamination, Pursues $1M Fuel System Overhaul

Large-Scale Active Shooter Drill Planned at High School

IT Department Budget Sees Double-Digit Growth, Director Proposes Centralizing Tech Purchases

Major Study Underway for US-56 Corridor Improvements

City and County Mobilize for Massive Storm Cleanup Effort

1. Airport Faces Critical Contamination, Pursues $1M Fuel System Overhaul

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The McPherson Airport is in urgent need of a new fuel system after officials revealed severe water contamination in the current underground tanks, which are between 50 and 70 years old. During the McPherson County Commission meeting, a speaker presented a sample of contaminated fuel drawn from a tank that had been underwater. A project to replace the aging system with new, above-ground tanks for Avgas, Jet A, and Mogas is estimated to cost around $1 million. However, due to a unique combination of FAA grants and state funds, the airport's local match for the project could be less than $50,000, a significant discount from the typical cost. The commission also learned the airport is operating at a deficit, relying on depleting reserve funds to cover costs.

2. Large-Scale Active Shooter Drill Planned at High School

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The McPherson Police Department announced it will be conducting a large-scale active shooter training drill at McPherson High School on Thursday, June 26. The public should expect to see a significant presence of police, fire, and ambulance services at the school from approximately 8 a.m. until noon, but officials stressed it is only a training exercise. The mock event is a coordinated effort involving USD 418 staff, EMS, the fire department, police, and emergency management. Officials noted they were still accepting volunteers to participate in the training scenario.

3. IT Department Budget Sees Double-Digit Growth, Director Proposes Centralizing Tech Purchases

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The Information Technology department has proposed a 2026 budget of $533,722, representing a 10% overall increase from the previous year, driven largely by a 13% rise in contractual service costs for security and management software. During a debate over the rising costs, IT Director Jeff Butler stated that his department’s budget growth is well below the industry average of 20-30% annually. Butler also floated a significant policy change: moving all departmental software and capital outlay for technology into the IT budget. This would require departments to consult with IT before making purchases to prevent buying software that their hardware cannot support, an issue that has occurred in the past.

4. Major Study Underway for US-56 Corridor Improvements

MCPHERSON COUNTY - A long-term study of the US-56 corridor between McPherson and Marion is underway, with potential upgrades including widened shoulders and new passing lanes. The county’s Public Works Director, David Bohnenblust, informed the commission that adding two-mile-long passing lanes would likely require limiting or closing some township road entrances in those specific areas for safety. The public will have a chance to review the plans and provide feedback during open houses scheduled for July 22 in McPherson and July 23 in Marion. The study is expected to be completed within six months, though construction is likely two to three years away.

5. City and County Mobilize for Massive Storm Cleanup Effort

MCPHERSON COUNTY - Following a severe storm with winds reportedly reaching 90 to 100 miles per hour, city officials lauded a massive, cooperative cleanup effort by city staff and residents. At the City Commission meeting, the mayor thanked the park, police, fire, street, and other public works departments for their coordinated response. He reminded citizens that the city does not offer limb pickup service and encouraged neighbors to help those unable to clear their own debris. The city landfill accommodated the immense volume of debris, processing 900 loads on the first day and 855 the next. The wastewater treatment plant was pushed to its limits by rainwater infiltration.

Editors note: my basement flooded due to a sewer backup, as did my neighbors

Over at the county meeting…McPherson County is assessing widespread damage from recent storms as it seeks to qualify for disaster assistance. Emily Yates, Director of Emergency Management, reported that three townships have submitted initial damage estimates totaling $64,400. However, the county must document at least $142,652.56 in damages to meet its local threshold for potential aid. Yates has reached out to all townships for their estimates but is still awaiting responses from several. A significant concern is potential bridge damage, which may not be discovered until floodwaters recede, possibly after the deadline for the disaster declaration has passed.

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Sources

1. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
2. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
3. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
4. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
5. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/742056901547440
6. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video

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