By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday approved hiring of one maintenance worker for the Public Works Department. Director Tom Kramer had wanted to hire two people to fill one vacancy to help facilitate projects in the furthest reaches of the county now in progress. He would then not fill the next open position when it comes about.
Commissioners were not in agreement for hiring two people, citing concerns about overstaffing. With this hiring, Public Works will be at full staffing except for surveyor and engineer positions he is still seeking candidates for.
The Commission approved replacement of the north air conditioning and heating unit in Building B, replacing the unit original to that building on which the AC has failed. Jim’s Plumbing and Heating submitted the low of two quotes obtained, at $7,267.04.
Funding contracts were signed for the 2025 state fiscal year for the 9th Judicial District Community Corrections. The Kansas Department of Corrections approved those funding levels last month. For adult corrections programs the district will receive $826,319.70, and another $97,675 for enhancement of behavioral health services for offenders. $542,774.45 was awarded for the FY2025 Juvenile Comprehensive Plan and graduated sanctions programming.
Commissioners also approved a five percent salary increase for Community Corrections employees to bring their salaries up to that for Court Services employees under the office of Judicial Administration and raises for juvenile intake workers.
In his update, Sheriff Jerry Montagne said there were no major issues from last weekend’s McPherson County Fair in Canton where reserves were on duty throughout the event. Montagne also gave an update on vehicle issues, with one patrol vehicle under a recall, one with a transmission needing replaced and one damaged in a deer hit. Montagne’s vehicle was used by the reserve deputies at the fair.
Commission chair Keith Becker also gave a report on his recent attendance at the annual meeting of the National Association of Counties in Tampa, Florida. Becker is a Kansas representative on the NACo Board and also serves on a couple of committees for the organization
