Upcoming municipal meetings

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission will conduct a mayoral transition Monday evening, with City Clerk Leah Kawanguzi administering the oath of office to Mayor-elect James (Jim) Loving before the commission reconvenes under new leadership to consider nearly $300,000 in capital expenditures, including a $158,596 final payment to Weis Fire for the city's first brush truck, $53,868 for a greenhouse expansion at the Park Department, $53,618 for two commercial-grade Grasshopper mowers, $39,186.73 for splash pad improvements, $14,260.16 for luxury vinyl flooring at Lakeside Cabin, and $12,333.88 for emergency repairs to Fire Engine 1's emission system.

In the study session afterwards, the McPherson City Commission will consider approving approximately $54,000 in police technology upgrades, including five portable radios from KaCOMM for up to $30,000 and new Frontline Public Safety Solutions software for $24,295 that will replace multiple existing programs. Commissioners will also discuss McPherson County's opposition to a Kansas Department of Transportation proposal to close Limestone Road as part of the US-56 expansion project between McPherson and Marion, with Dave Bohnenblust scheduled to present the county's position and request the city sign a letter opposing the closure. Additional agenda items include approval of wastewater treatment facility farming operations and chemical purchases totaling approximately $55,000, and discussion of a new inclement weather policy that would clarify essential employee designations and compensation during severe weather closures.

The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education will meet Monday to address significant operational shifts for the district, highlighted by a proposal for new elementary school boundaries for the 2026-27 academic year. Following the board’s recent decision to move from four elementary schools to three due to declining enrollment, the new attendance maps will outline zones for Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Washington elementary schools as the district prepares to repurpose Eisenhower Elementary. The agenda also includes a discussion on a new cell phone policy and a work session to prepare for the March 3 special bond election, where voters will decide on a $62.5 million facilities package and a separate proposal to convert Eisenhower into a middle school. In addition to these planning items, the board is scheduled to vote on a three-year health insurance agreement with the ESSDACK EdVantage consortium and accept a $16,950 donation from the McPherson Bullpup Booster Club to support various school programs.

The McPherson County Commission is poised to formally object to a Kansas Department of Transportation proposal to close Limestone Road (County Road 1065) at U.S. 56, citing concerns over safety and economic development.

According to the agenda for the Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 meeting, commissioners will consider a letter to the KDOT U.S. 56 Expansion Study Team arguing that closing the intersection would force heavy truck traffic onto the narrower 17th Avenue and sever a vital link for emergency services and northern access to the city. The commission will also view final drawings for new county artwork presented by Lori Bower and discuss the county fee schedule. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Public Works Department meeting room on West Avenue A, where sessions are currently held during the County Building renovation project.

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