McPHERSON, Kan. — The city of McPherson received an unmodified, or clean, opinion in its 2024 audit report, which was presented to the City Commission Tuesday based on the regulatory basis of accounting used by nearly every local governmental unit in Kansas. Because the standards of the Kansas Municipal Accounting and Audit Guide differ in some material respected to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Christina Henson of the Loyd Group told Commissioners the city received an adverse opinion as to GAAP standards. Henson said there were no reportable issues found in the audit, and the city’s finances remain strong.
Two saunas of a specialized kind for the city of McPherson’s fire stations are being purchased. These are medical grade saunas that are used as part of the detoxification process firefighters go through to reduce the amount of toxins they are exposed to in the course of their work. Firefighters are at a much higher risk for many types of cancer than members of the general public The new Station 2 is designed with decontamination areas for firefighters. The fire department is also in the process of purchasing air purification fans for fire apparatus. The cost of the two saunas is $14,198
A $30,778.55 change order on the remodel of the new Police Substation at Kansas and Elm was approved by the Commission. The change order reflects upgrading of electrical service and related items, new exterior front doors not included in the initial quote, and replacement of existing copper plumbing with PEX pipe throughout the building.
Related to the Police Department, Commissioners also accepted the resignation of a patrol officer and seek a replacement. A conditional offer was made for a new reserve officer, subject to pre-employment requirements.
Stop signs are being placed at three intersections along South Walnut. Public Works Director Jeff Woodward said a request had been made to place stop signs at Avenues D, E, and F, from which he and the street superintendent looked at the area and believe it will probably benefit the area.
Commissioners approved a $1,625 change order on the Elm Street Drainage Project to replace curb and gutter that had been damaged by city plow crews during snow removal operations over the winter, and renewal of the GIS website hosting contract for another year.
The Commission approved contracts with three contractors for four housing rehabilitation projects being done under a Community Development Block grant. Related to this, the Commission approved the repayment agreements that are part of the grant that place a three year lien on the property involved as part of the grant and a contribution agreement for a rental property rehabilitated.
A change order on landscaping work at the new pickleball tournaments was approved. This up to $1,500 change is related to adjustment of a Cox utility box which was beyond the contractor’s control and had to be done before the project was to be done, and a cancellation charge on a concrete truck related to this delay. The project is a joint effort between the city and the McPherson Recreation Commission.
The Commission also approved the Fireworks with a Fireman event June 27 and a related closure of the 200 block of East Euclid, and the Firemen’s Benefit Association Car show Sept. 6 at Lakeside Park.
