McPherson – Week of April 29 2025

Major Upgrades Underway at Turkey Creek Golf Course

McPherson Airport Secures $400,000 State Grant for Fuel System

Commission Delays Action on Subdivision Rule Concerns

County Finalizes $5.5 Million ARPA Fund Spending

Public Works Tackles Sewer, Street Projects; Major Contract Awarded

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1. Major Upgrades Underway at Turkey Creek Golf Course 

The Turkey Creek Golf Course is undergoing significant improvements, as detailed in a presentation to the City Commission. Key projects include a completely new irrigation system with 1500 individually controlled sprinkler heads, a new pump station with enhanced filtration, a rebuilt retaining wall on hole #9, reconstruction of the bridge on hole #13, and the construction of a new golf cart storage building. Additionally, 12 new tee boxes have been added, and a nursery green was installed for future sod needs. Officials emphasized that the golf course operates as a self-sufficient enterprise fund, covering operational costs through user fees. Capital projects like the irrigation system are funded through sources like the dedicated second sales tax, with projections showing about a third of this revenue coming from outside McPherson, minimizing the direct burden on local taxpayers for these enhancements. (Source: City of McPherson)   

2. McPherson Airport Secures $400,000 State Grant for Fuel System

Good news arrived for the McPherson Airport, as announced during the meeting's other business segment. The airport has been awarded a $400,000 Airport Improvement Program grant from the state of Kansas. These funds are designated for a new fuel system, addressing known issues with the current system. The Mayor congratulated Airport Manager Cynthia Peterson and the airport board for their successful application, noting it was one of only about a dozen airport projects approved for funding by the state. (Source: City of McPherson)   

3. Commission Delays Action on Subdivision Rule Concerns 

The McPherson County Commission opted to delay a decision on halting new small tract subdivision applications, pending legal advice and the return of the Planning and Zoning Director. Planning board member Kathy Nicholson requested an immediate pause, citing concerns that a recent changeÑeffectively increasing the threshold for simplified small tract subdivisions from 20 to 40 acresÑcould unintentionally spur unwanted rural residential development. Nicholson argued the change might contradict the county's comprehensive plan goal of preserving agricultural land. While the planning board had previously tabled three related applications due to concerns, commissioners expressed uncertainty about the legality of simply pausing applications without a formal moratorium and chose to wait a week for further information. Four applications currently in progress will proceed under the existing rules. (Source: McPherson County)   

4. County Finalizes $5.5 Million ARPA Fund Spending 

McPherson County Commissioners formally approved the final expenditure report for the $5.54 million received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). County Administrator Rick Witte detailed the allocations, noting that significant portions initially earmarked for local fire districts and ambulance services were ultimately funded through the county's general fund due to the burdensome federal reporting requirements for the smaller entities. Key projects funded directly or indirectly with ARPA dollars included contributions to rural water districts, significant upgrades to courthouse windows and environmental controls, construction of a new 911 communications tower in the Windom area, and partial funding for a bridge project. The report closes out the county's accounting for the federal COVID-19 relief funds. (Source: McPherson County)   

5. Public Works Tackles Sewer, Street Projects; Major Contract Awarded 

McPherson's Public Works department updated the Commission on several ongoing infrastructure projects and secured approval for significant new work. A change order was approved for the Tulip Sewer design contract, adding $63,800 for drainage improvements and additional surveying, aimed at easing easement acquisition and addressing long-standing drainage complaints in the area. The Commission also awarded a $466,124 contract to Kansas Paving for the 2025 mill and overlay project on North Maxwell, a bid significantly under the engineer's estimate. Updates were provided on the Elm Street drainage project, which faced weather delays but should see the Euclid/Maple intersection reopen around May Day, though the overall project completion will be later. Work continues on Lift Station #3 and the reconstruction of Sycamore Place subdivision streets, while a railroad crossing replacement on Avenue A began, requiring a week-long detour. (Source: City of McPherson)   

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Sources

1. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1601657543824362   
2. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1601657543824362   
3. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video   
4. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video   
5. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1601657543824362