McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Erection of the new 911 tower at 5th and Frontier Road southeast of Windom will begin this week, according to Incoming Emergency Management and Communications Director Emily Yates in a report to the McPherson County Commission Monday.
Commissioners also approved a personnel change notice to promote Allison Brunsell to Communications Supervisor, assuming the role Yates held before being named to replace retiring director Julie McClure who steps down March 15th. Brunsell is currently the quality assurance supervisor, a role which she will continue to fill in her new role.
12 zoning permits, with a construction value of $3.7 million, were issued in the unincorporated area of McPherson County during February. Planning, Zoning, and Environmental Director Jon Kinsey said $2 million of that came from a couple of chicken barn projects, with two more currently pending water allocations from the state. Fees collected during February came to $5,200.
Kinsey added there are three final subdivision plats currently pending, which the Planning Board will consider at their April meeting. Commissioners also approved the promotion of a clerk in the Planning, Zoning and Environmental office.
The Commission approved signing of multiple documents for Harvey/McPherson County Community Corrections. Chief among these are the adult and juvenile comprehensive plan grants on which funding is provided by the Kansas Department of Corrections, along with the Fiscal Year 2026 final fund request workbook.
Commissioners also accepted the paid time off payout fund sheet, a data sheet for the 2024 juvenile comprehensive plan, and a revised organizational chart for the programs.
In his report, Sheriff Jerry Montagne said his deputies made 19 arrests last week. As of Monday, the jail population was at 36, including six females with four being held for other than District Court.
Tire and skid steer purchases were approved for Public Works. Fleet Maintenance Foreman Mike Evans said this purchase, from Commercial Tire of Salina for $9,857, is to restock their inventory, with installation handled by public works personnel.
Evans also provided an update on a fuel system project, on which discussions are underway with MKC on it. What’s being looked at is a plan where MKC would provide fuel, tanks, and most of the equipment along with tanks. This system would be compatible with the existing fuel management system used for billing to the various departments which get fuel through Public Works.
