Community Stories

The McPherson County Commission received a comprehensive update on bridge infrastructure during their August 25 meeting, revealing that the county is looking at approximately $9 million in bridge projects over the next couple of years.

David Bohnenblust, Public Works Director, presented commissioners with a detailed tracking report of current and upcoming bridge projects throughout the county. The report outlined multiple categories of bridge work, ranging from major structures to smaller culvert replacements.

"Page three, just let you know, in the next couple of years, we're looking at $9 million on bridges," Bohnenblust told commissioners. "We won't be able to do that every year, because a million of that is coming out of kind of reserve funds."

The county's bridge program includes three major bridge projects described as "multi-million dollar big bridges on high traffic areas." These include a project southwest of Inman being designed by Earls Engineering, the Grover Bridge, and what officials called the "Car Valley" bridge on 27th Avenue. Bohnenblust noted that these three large projects are in various stages of design and funding.

In addition, four concrete box culverts are being designed for construction by Concrete Products, with some scheduled for this year and others planned for 2026. Bohnenblust emphasized that much of the current design work is for next year's construction projects.

"You can't just say, 'Hey, put me in a new bridge next week.' It takes a little bit longer than that," Bohnenblust explained.

The county is also pursuing state funding for three additional large bridge structures. One significant project is the Smokey Hill Bridge near Marquette and Lindsborg, estimated at $3 million. Bohnenblust indicated this crossing is particularly important as there are only three or four bridges crossing the Smoky Hill River in the county.

The presentation also included information about recently completed bridges, current projects, and seven pipe installations scheduled to prepare roads for next year's paving work.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges of infrastructure maintenance, particularly after recent flood damage to several bridges in the county. One bridge, described as the second oldest in the county, was damaged during heavy rains and is currently closed while officials determine whether to repair, replace, or pursue alternative solutions.

Bohnenblust noted that the tracking report was compiled to help monitor progress on the numerous bridge projects across the county.

The McPherson County Commission unanimously approved the purchase of a used 2016 Ram 2500 pickup truck during their regular meeting on Monday, as the Public Works Department moves to replace an aging vehicle in their fleet.

Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and another department representative presented the request, seeking approval for the purchase of the truck from McPherson Car Connection at a cost of $26,995. The dealer reportedly removed their administration fee of approximately $375 from the initial price.

The Ram has only 53,000 miles on it and is reportedly in excellent condition.

"It's very clean," they told commissioners. "I've driven it. It's a very nice truck. Tires are brand new, and it just had brakes done all the way around."

They added that the vehicle's Carfax report indicated all services had been "done pretty religiously" by previous owners.

The new truck will replace a 2004 Trailblazer that has developed significant engine problems.

"The engine has got bad compression in number two cylinder, so it needs a new engine," they explained.

When asked about plans for the old vehicle, they indicated the department would likely sell it "as is" in October, noting it wasn't worth the expense of installing a new engine.

The Public Works Department currently operates with two Explorer vehicles previously acquired from the Sheriff's Department, a 1999 van, and the problematic Trailblazer that will be replaced.

All commissioners voted in favor.

Work has begun on a portion of west First Street (from Hospital Drive to the HWY 81 bypass). Kansas Paving is under contact for repairs and mill & overlay efforts in the area. They have started on the north side. Traffic will be condensed to two lanes in this area for an undetermined amount of time.

Public Works director to discuss vehicle purchases and staffing during brief morning session

The McPherson County Commission will hold a streamlined meeting Monday morning, focusing primarily on departmental operations and personnel matters after relocating to their temporary meeting space at Public Works.

Meeting Location Change

Following the January relocation, the 9 a.m. meeting will be held at the Public Works facility at 1115 W. Avenue A, rather than the traditional County Building location. The commission has been conducting meetings at the Public Works site since January 13, 2025.

Weed Control Chemical Contracts

Noxious Weed Department Director Mike Benda will present bids for the annual purchase of fall weed control chemicals at 9:10 a.m. The seasonal chemical procurement is essential for the county's ongoing efforts to manage invasive plant species across rural areas and right-of-ways.

County weed control programs are mandated by state law and represent a significant annual expense for maintaining agricultural productivity and preventing the spread of designated noxious weeds.

Public Works Updates

Public Works Director David Bohnenblust will address several operational items at 9:15 a.m., including:

• Personnel Matters: Discussion of non-elected personnel issues, likely conducted in executive session
• Vehicle Procurement: Review of pickup truck purchase proposals for department fleet needs
• General Updates: Routine departmental operational reports

The vehicle purchase discussion comes as county departments regularly update aging fleet vehicles to maintain operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

Routine Administrative Business

The commission will handle standard weekly business items including:

• Agenda approval
• Minutes from previous meetings
• Authorization of checks, claims, and payroll
• Property tax assessment additions and abatements
• General personnel matters
• Review of correspondence

Public Input Opportunity

A public input session is scheduled for 9 a.m., allowing county residents to address commissioners on matters not specifically listed on the agenda.

The meeting represents typical county operations, focusing on departmental needs and administrative functions rather than major policy initiatives. The commission's temporary relocation to Public Works continues as they operate from the alternative venue established earlier this year.

County meetings are open to the public, with the brief agenda suggesting a relatively quick session focused on operational matters rather than lengthy policy discussions.

Budget maintains same mill levy as 2025 while adding new fire station costs and debt service

The McPherson City Commission will hold public hearings and vote on its 2026 budget Tuesday evening, with a proposed mill levy that exceeds the revenue neutral rate and a major highway reconstruction project worth nearly $6.6 million.

Tax Increase Required for 2026 Budget

The commission will conduct a Revenue Neutral Rate hearing before voting on Resolution 25-08, which would authorize exceeding the state-mandated revenue neutral rate of 52.051 mills. The proposed 2026 mill levy of 53.238 mills would generate approximately $8.287 million in property tax revenue—a 3.49% increase over the current year's $8.007 million.

"The 2026 Budget preparation was an exercise in prioritizing the most essential needs within the City organization," according to budget documents. The increase accounts for a fully staffed police department, operational costs for the new North Fire Station, increased debt service for recent infrastructure projects, and rising insurance costs.

Despite the mill levy increase, city officials note they maintained the same rate established during last year's budget process by "closely examining budget requests and minimizing expenditures where possible."

$6.6 Million Highway Project Approved

In a major infrastructure win, KDOT has selected McPherson's application to reconstruct US Highway 56 from the 81-Bypass to Maple Street. The $6.595 million project will replace pavement, curb and gutter, and valley gutters along the crucial east-west corridor.

KDOT will contribute $4.5 million total, including $3 million for the City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP) award and an additional $1.5 million for detour costs during bridge re-decking work on two railroad overpasses. The city's non-participation costs for design and inspection are estimated at $1.189 million.

The commission is expected to approve the project and authorize officials to sign the required KDOT programming form, with a September 1 deadline.

Fire Station Equipment Needs

Commissioners will also address immediate infrastructure needs, including a failed HVAC unit at Fire Station #1. The 27-year-old rooftop unit that serves the bunk room can no longer be repaired due to parts availability. The commission will vote on spending $10,709 for a replacement unit from McPherson Quality Air, the lowest of three bids received.

Routine Business Items

Other items on Tuesday's agenda include:

• Zoning Changes: Three ordinances addressing street renaming and residential zoning modifications, all recommended for approval by the Planning Commission
• Park Maintenance: Annual purchase of grass seed and fertilizer totaling $15,800, with increased quantities needed due to recent flooding at Hess Park
• Wastewater Equipment: Replacement brushes and components for sewage screening equipment at the treatment plant, costing approximately $8,000
• Community Events: Approvals for First Responders' Night, a Suicide Prevention Walk, and a Fit4Mom grand opening

Project Updates

Public Works Director will provide updates on several ongoing construction projects, including the Myers Street reconstruction, Maxwell Street overlay completion, and progress on the Northview sidewalk installation and First Street mill-and-overlay work.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the City Commission Meeting Room at McPherson Municipal Center. Following standard business, the commission will hold an executive session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning to a public study session.

The budget and tax levy decisions come as McPherson continues managing growth-related infrastructure needs while balancing taxpayer concerns about rising municipal costs.