By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners were told Monday their 2025 proposed budget will exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate. County Administrator Rick Witte said by using the same property tax levy as for 2024 the county would receive an additional $250,000 in revenue.
Witte reported 12 of McPherson County’s 25 townships are proposing to exceed RNR, which is the mill levy that would raise the same dollars for the following year’s budget as raised for the current year. One cemetery district is also proposing to exceed that rate as well.
Hearings on exceeding RNR and the budget itself will take place in September.
The Commission approved two purchases for Public Works. One is to replace a screed control screen on an asphalt paver, which Public Works Director Tom Kramer said has developed a “black spot” on it that will only get worse with time. The Plug and Play (PnP) device is being purchased through Foley Equipment for just over $5,200. The Commission also approved a $3,300 purchase through Grainger of a four-inch water pump to pump out water from pits at the asphalt plant. This will replace a two-inch pump that is at the end of its life span and will allow for pumping to be done more efficiently.
Commissioners discussed insurance requirements for an alcohol vendor at this week’s McPherson County Fair in Canton. Keith Everhart, who is selling alcohol at the fair Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, has the necessary insurance for himself, and said he would be willing to add the county as an additional insured onto his policy.
Not certain is the status of the McPherson County Fair Association, and whether Everhart should include them as an additional insured or if they should have a rider on their existing insurance. This is going to be checked out.
The resignation was accepted for Jerry Sisson from the Board of Fire District 5 of Inman. The other members of that board are expected to submit a recommendation for his replacement. Commission also approved a number of personnel items including hiring of a mechanic for the Public Works Department, end of introductory raises for two Emergency Communications employees and a scheduled raise for an employee in the County Clerk’s Office.
