McPherson City Commission to Vote on Tax Increase, Major Highway Project at Tuesday Meeting
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.
