By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday approved letters of support for two pending Rural Housing Incentive Districts. This involves the Deerfield South project in McPherson and the Ridges project in Moundridge. By state law the county and the respective school districts have veto power over creation of the districts, and the Commission voted support for both.
The Commission approved a waiver of zoning requirements connected with a new E-911 tower to be built at 5th and Kiowa Road between Conway and Windom which Commissioners approved purchase of last week. Emergency Management Director Julie McClure also provided updates on other communication tower projects.
Personnel matters were a major part of this week’s meeting. The Commission approved personnel change notices for the hiring of a GIS coordinator for the county and an end of introductory period raise for the deputy Register of Deeds. Register of Deeds Laurie Wizarde told Commissioners she is still one person short of having a full staff in her office, with one new employee starting this week as another left the office.
Also approved hiring of a temporary part time mowing employee for the Public Works Department, an individual who has filled this position in prior years.
The Commission acknowledged the award of a $90,000 Rural Hospital Innovation Grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Office of Primary Care and Rural Health. This grant involves a $180,000 local match from the hospital.
