County

McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission is scheduled Monday to consider revised zoning regulations that would ban data centers in unincorporated McPherson County, taking up a recommendation the county Planning and Zoning Board approved 5-2 on Aug. 17 after nearly two years of study. Because the prohibition was not written into the final model code, the meeting packet includes suggested motions for commissioners to expressly prohibit data centers, utility-scale battery energy storage systems and hydrogen energy transfer systems not connected to refinery operations — enacting the ban that began with the moratorium commissioners placed on the technologies last year. The item is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in the 5th floor meeting room of the McPherson County Building, 200 N. Maple.

City

The McPherson City Commission on Tuesday will consider adopting its 2027 budget and a property tax rate that exceeds the state's "revenue neutral rate," which is the rate that would bring in the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year. The public hearings for both the budget and the proposed tax levy increase are scheduled for 9 a.m. during the commission's regular meeting. Also on the agenda is the authorization for staff to handle a hail storm claim payout from Travelers Insurance, not to exceed $937,021.86, for a 2025 storm. Other financial items include approving a bond for Padgett Enterprises Inc., paying $28,350 for a three-year software subscription for utility rate analysis, and approving several contract change orders for street and sewer projects that result in a net increase in costs.

The McPherson City Commission will hold a study session on Tuesday to discuss a new fee policy for the Community Building, the upcoming municipal budget, and the use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery (ARPA) Funds. The agenda for the Sept. 1, 2026, meeting includes a motion to approve a fee policy for the McPherson Community Building. The commission will also review an informational mailer for the municipal budget and discuss the allocation of ARPA funds. In the past, McPherson has successfully used ARPA funds for housing projects. The study session will also include time for other business and public input.

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