McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday were generally in agreement on placing a one-half percent sales tax proposal on the November general election ballot to fund ambulance and mental health services.
The county presently provides property fax funds to the five ambulance providers in McPherson County including the cities of Lindsborg, McPherson and Moundridge along with the Canton and Marquette fire districts, along with funding for Prairie View. McPherson contracts with McPherson Center for Health to provide EMS services covering much of the southwest part of the county.
If this tax, which would have a ten-year sunset provision, is adopted, it would allow for about a two mill reduction in the mill levy. Still to be determined prior to placing it on the ballot is specific percentage allocations
The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved a TEAP study for two intersections on Old Highway 81 in the Moundridge Area. Public Works Director David Bohnenblust said a contract has already been awarded to Kirkham Michael for the study, which will in addition to looking at Old 81 and Arrowhead Road where there was a recent double fatality accident will also look at 22nd Avenue and Old 81… this is Christian Avenue coming out of Moundridge, where the roads also intersect at a sharp angle.
Commissioners discussed a number of matters related to permits Enterprise has applied to do more pipeline repairs on county right of way, including the area around 14th and Navajo Road. Melissa Sherman, an attorney representing Enterprise, reviewed discussions she has had with County Counselor Brian Bina regarding agreements for this work, including a bond requirement and matters related to a full closure of 14th Avenue for this work, which Public Works Director David Bohnenblust is insisting on.
Bohnenblust also wants 14th put back to KDOT standards, and for Enterprise to provide 625 tons of rock for road repairs on required detours. Sherman and Bina will be back together to address these and other concerns.
Commissioners agreed on a sale price and terms of the county-owned building at 1106 Hospital Drive used by the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative’s McKids program. MCSEC has agreed to pay $300,000 for the property, which is less than the value the McPherson County Appraiser has on it, to be paid half at closing and half by July 1, 2026, with an additional five percent interest at that time amounting to five thousand dollars.
The Commission signed the paperwork connected with grants for a new fuel farm including tank replacement at the McPherson Airport. Airport Manager Cynthia Peterson said this project is currently planned for the latter part of 2026.
Sheriff Jerry Montagne told Commissioners about the addition of a new K9 Deputy. Tequila is a 2 ½ year old dog and is already on duty. The Commission tabled a request to change the job classification for an employee in the Register of Deeds office as they wanted some additional information about additional duties. They approved hiring of a new employee in the Appraiser’s Office, and of a part-time administrative secretary for the Noxious Weed Department, who would work three days a week.
Commissioners also approved a number of tax abatements, including several that involved low-production oil wells or those producing less than five barrels a day.
