McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners have approved a 2026 budget that will require a one mill increase in property taxes, exceeding the revenue neutral rate by just over 1.8 mills. A resolution to exceed the RNR was approved prior to budget action. This will increase county property tax revenues by $1.165 million next year.
The levy increase was entirely within the general fund, with other levies either flat or reduced. County Administrator Rick Witte said much of the increased spending relates to a combination of bridge projects and various work on county buildings including the McPherson County Building renovation which the county is funding with cash rather than bonding.
County Appraiser Stacy Hubbard addressed issues related to increased property valuations, explaining there are state guidelines related to “fair market value” her office is required to meet, and they have met that requirement for this year.
Commissioners also approved budgets and exceeding RNR for Fire District 7 in the Moundridge Area, District 8 around Lindsborg, District 9 in the Galva area, and District 10 which is the south half of New Gottland Township and contracts for fire protection with the McPherson Fire Department.
At Monday’s meeting, the Commission discussed with Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust options related to bridge priorities, most notably as it relates to a flood damaged bridge near 2nd and Smoky Valley Road west of Marquette. Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust explained one option, using a rail car that would be put in place for water to go through. This would cost between $40,000-$50,000.
Another option discussed was a concrete box structure, which would cost upwards of $100,000, which Bohnenblust was leaning towards. Commissioners by consensus agreed with using a rail car, which has been utilized on one prior project in the Canton area.
This was part of an overall discussion on bridge issues the county is facing and how to fund this. Bohnenblust told Commissioners three applications for state funding were rejected last week. To deal with known bridge issues could cost upwards of $6-9 million. The commission also approved purchase of around $15,000 in material to construct a low water crossing at 26th and Sioux Road southwest of Roxbury where a timber bridge had the deck and supports washed out. Another washout they are dealing with is along Pueblo Road between 23rd and 24th Roads.
Contracts were signed with APAC Kansas for street work on Main Street in Galva from US 56 to Northview Road including mill, patch and overlay. The county is covering the middle two lanes, with the city paying for the outer lanes. Total cost is $430,212 with the city and county splitting the cost. This work could be done yet this year if weather permits. Commissioners opted not for now to proceed with work further north to Pawnee Road.
Commissioners approved replacement of the transmission on a semi truck on which it had put a new engine in earlier this year. This 1998 International, purchased in 2006 and having 850,000 miles on it, will have the new transmission, replacing the original transmission for the unit, will be replaced by Bruckner Truck Sales of Salina for $8,558.57, which includes a full three year warranty. The Commission approved extension of a contract with Knight Trucking for hauling of aggregates that will run through the end of 2026 with slight increases in cost.
Local elected officials will be meeting with Kansas Division of Water Resources officials later this month to review proposed new flood plain maps for McPherson County. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey said that meeting will be held September 24th at 10 a.m. at the McPherson Municipal Center. Following this meeting and input from local leaders it will be submitted to FEMA for their review. Kinsey said while permit activity was down a bit in August, a total of 50 zoning and sanitation permits were issued for the month. He also provided updates on the ongoing digitizing of planning and zoning records.
Commissioners approved a year-end outcome report for adult and juvenile programs of Community Corrections along with a budget adjustment report for adult projects for the 4th quarter of the state fiscal year.
Commissioners also approved renewal of the Class A private club license for McPherson Country Club, and appointed the appointment of Ian Smith as treasurer for Turkey Creek Township, succeeding long time treasurerNorman Schmidt who resigned from that position.
Among personnel items, they approved the end of introductory period raises for Emergency Management and Communications Director Emily Yates and for a communications supervisor along with a promotion within that department. Commissioners also approved the end of the introductory period and raise for a sheriff’s deputy, for an employee in Harvey/McPherson County Community Corrections, hiring of a new employee in the County Treasurer’s Office and a promotion of a Public Works maintenance worker.
