McPherson County Commissioners Monday approved a special use permit for a landing strip west of Lindsborg. This would be between 8th and 9th Avenues south of Winchester Road, which is the McPherson/Saline County line. The strip would be used by members of a “bush pilot” organization on occasion as an overnight stopover point.
Some adjoining property owners did object to the proposal, and owners of three adjoining properties did submit a letter opposing the proposal, but it was submitted after the statutory protection period ended, and the property represented less than the 20 percent requirement that would have required a unanimous vote to approve it.
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the permit at their meeting on March 9.
Commissioners Monday approved setting a $2,000 fee for public works personnel to install culverts along county-maintained roads. Public Works Engineer Elizabeth Hopp said the county had been doing these installations at no charge since around 1990, with 19 installed during 2025, and this is taking time away from other projects
This fee would recoup most of the labor cost incurred, the property owner has to supply the culvert.
The permit itself would still be free, and property owners would still have the option to do the work themselves or hire their own contractor.
Hopp also provided an update on the Groveland Road bridge replacement, where the old bridge deck has been removed and placing and forming of steel has started. Commissioners also approved a personnel change notice moving an engineering tech up one level, and three of five reinforced concrete boxes have been completed.
Commissioners approved a six-year contract with EagleView of aerial mapping services used by the County Appraiser’s Office and other departments. The county has used EagleView for many years, and these maps are utilized as part of the appraisal process. It allows staff to look at changes before conducting on-site inspections they have to do every parcel every four years.
The maps are also utilized by other county departments. Total cost of the service is $257,600, paid over the life of the contract.
During the meeting Commissioners also approved a large number of adds and abates to the tax rolls and signed a pair of quit claim deeds for lots at the county-owned Crestwood Memorial Park cemetery north of McPherson.
Jail Captain Arlo Blevins reported as of Monday morning they had 62 inmates in the McPherson County Jail, with some inmates being held in other counties. Maximum capacity for the jail is 60. The number of arrests for the week also continues to be high, with 26 made between all law enforcement agencies in the county. Seven of those in jail are being held for municipal courts, and the county is housing two juveniles at regional detention facilities.
Commissioners approved a request from IT Director Jeff Butler to purchase two cell phones for his department in place of paying a monthly stipend to those persons for use of their personal cell phones. Butler also gave an update on installation of new payment processing machines approved last year. They are currently in place in the Tag and Treasurer’s Offices and that of the County Attorney, and will be installed at the Health Department in a couple of weeks. An online capability to pay taxes is expected to be operational this week.
Commissioner David O’Dell reported the McPherson County Building renovation project is now 96 percent done, with furniture delivered and the table for the Register of Deeds Office ordered. Other wrap-up work is also proceeding including painting and door installation, fire sprinkler testing, and exterior cleaning of the building. The grating for around the roof of the building has been received and will be installed shortly.
