McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners have approved either repair or replacement of a non-functioning HVAC unit on the headhouse of the elevator shaft at the McPherson County Building. At Monday’s meeting, IT Director Jeff Butler said if they have to replace the unit, which is original to the building when it was constructed in the 1980’s, that cost would be in the area of $6,000. Repair would be less, but Commissioners leaned towards replacement and authorized spending up to that amount for a new one.
Commissioners also gave the City of McPherson and USD 418 30 days to remove antennas and related equipment they currently have on the top of the headhouse, which they were both advised earlier was going to have to be done. Commissioner David O’Dell gave an update on the overall renovation project, which as of last week was 76 percent complete.
Commissioners approved a nearly $14,000 expenditure for a pipe to be placed at 10th and Shawnee Road. The pipe and related items being purchased from J&J Drainage Products of Hutchinson is to replace a structure that washed out and undercut the road. This replacement will take place in December, and will require Shawnee Road to be closed for a couple of days.
It also approved a $3,625 purchase of sign materials from Newman Signs for marking of federally mandated weight limit signs per new guidelines from the Kansas Local Bridge Rating Program presented last week.
Public Works Director David Bohnenblust said they are setting up equipment for the winter season and indicated they may do some brining of major county roads this weekend, partly in anticipation of any winter weather and partly to check out equipment.
Commissioners Monday accepted a $3,397 bid from McPherson Quality Air for replacement of a heat exchanger at the Law Enforcement Center. Undersheriff James Bergstrom told Commissioners they opted not to replace an HVAC rooftop unit at this point as it is still functioning.
Following an executive session, County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt was given approval to pursue hiring a law student intern for the summer of 2026. In other personnel matters, commissioners approved an end of introductory period raise for Bridge Supervisor Troy Schroeder and were informed a long-time public works employee is retiring.
