McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday approved the abatement of over $91,500 in property taxes involving 25 different parcels owned by McPherson College. The abatements cover 2023 and/or 2024 tax assessments on 22 college-owned properties, the bulk of which are to the west and north of the college campus with a few on the east side, with a couple of abatements involving property in the area of the new McPherson College Commons.
Three of the abatements are for 2024 only, one of those involving Bulldog Park where the college baseball and softball complex is located.
Commissioners approved fall chemical purchases for the Noxious Weed Department. This involved purchase of Tordon from Van Diest Supply Company, 2,4-D Anime from Sims Fertilizer and Chemical, and a water softening agent from Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Director Mike Benda said the latter purchase is to offset some of the hard water issues present in McPherson water. They did some test spraying on Johnson Grass with this chemical during the summer and it improved the effectiveness of the chemical used. The total cost of the chemicals came to just under $23,000.
Purchase of a used pickup for Public Works was approved. Fleet Maintenance Foreman Mike Evans said the 2016 Ram 2500 Tradesman 4X4 pickup being purchased for $26,995 from McPherson Car Connection will replace a 2004 vehicle that has a blown engine. The truck being acquired has about 50 thousand miles on it and new brakes were recently put on it.
Commissioners approved an end of introductory raise and promotion for a maintenance worker in Public Works. Director Dave Bohnenblust also provided updates on current projects including work on 27th Avenue north of Canton which will be slowed this week due to more. He also discussed plans for paint striping, and ideas for some cost-share grants that could be pursued in the future.
