Week of August 27 2024

1 New Field Opens at McPherson High School
2 McPherson City Commission Approves 2025 Budget
3 McPherson School Board Approves 9.75% Salary Increase for Teachers
4 Voter Turnout Drops Significantly in McPherson County Primary Election
5 Home Sales Up 7.2% in July Across Mid Kansas Region

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1 New Field Opens at McPherson High School

McPherson High School officially opened its new outdoor athletic facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday evening, followed by a community pep rally to launch the fall sports season. The facility's construction was largely supported by private donations through the Fund the Field project, which exceeded its $1 million goal by raising $1,018,000. Key features of the facility include a scoreboard, field lighting, seating for 1,000 spectators, a press box, a sound system, dual-direction runways for jumping events, and areas for shot put and discus. Additional funds are still being raised for a javelin runway, the final component of the project.  

Major donors for the project were also recognized during the ribbon cutting, including Doug and Kathy Unruh and their family who gave the largest single donation for the project. Doug Unruh did the actual ribbon cutting for the project. Other major donors for the project include Midway Motors, CHS, Pfizer, Peoples Bank and Trust, the McPherson Optimist Club, Farmers Alliance, and Denise and Jim O’Connor-Munsey.

Source: Ad Astra Radio

2 McPherson City Commission Approves 2025 Budget

The McPherson City Commission has approved a resolution to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) for the 2025 budget, following a public hearing on the matter. The approved mill levy is set at 53.238 mills, slightly lower than last year’s 53.267 mills, yet the city expects to generate approximately $700,000 in additional revenue due to a 4% increase in property valuations. During the hearing, citizens expressed concerns over rising taxes and the need for the city to manage spending amid economic pressures, as well as frustrations about inadequate communication from the city regarding budget decisions. City officials emphasized that the increased revenue is necessary to cover inflationary costs, including materials and wages, while maintaining essential services and preparing for future growth. 

The McPherson City Commission also approved a $61k change order for the construction of Fire Station No. 2 to cover various changes that have arisen during the project's progression. This adjustment allows the project to continue on schedule, addressing necessary modifications.  

**Ad Astra Investigates**  

The Elm Street drainage project in McPherson faced delays due to recent heavy rains, slowing the projects progress. No specific completion timeline was provided at the meeting, but city officials expect the pace of work to increase as weather conditions improve. Ad Astra will stay on this.

Source: City of McPherson

3 McPherson School Board Approves 9.75% Salary Increase for Teachers

The McPherson Public Schools Board of Education ratified a new agreement for certified staff, including a notable increase in the base salary for district teachers. Approved during a special meeting on August 19, 2024, the agreement raises the base salary to $45,000, reflecting a 20.4% increase over the past five years. The district also offers a benefits package valued at $9,780, covering the full cost of an individual health insurance plan. The Board, acknowledging the dedication of its educators, will now consider salary adjustments for other employee groups at its September meeting.

Source: USD 418

4 Voter Turnout Drops Significantly in McPherson County Primary Election

In a report to the County Commission last week, the County Clerk highlighted a significant drop in voter turnout during the August 6th primary election, with only 14% of the 19,077 registered voters casting their ballots. This equates to just 2,532 voters participating, less than half of the county's historical average of 30% turnout in primaries. The Clerk noted that this decline mirrors a broader trend seen across the state, raising concerns about voter engagement and participation in crucial local elections. The low turnout has prompted discussions on the need for increased public education regarding the importance of voting in primary elections.

Source: McPherson County

5 Home Sales Up 7.2% in July Across Mid Kansas Region

Home sales through Prairie Land Realtors’ Mid Kansas Multiple Listing Service increased by 7.2% in July compared to last year, with 149 homes sold across the region compared to 139 units for the month in 2023. The median sales price remained steady at $165,000, and homes typically spent 26 days on the market. The McPherson area experienced a 24.2% increase in sales, while the median price dropped by 9.1% to $180,000, and the average home stayed on the market for 33 days. The region had 282 active listings, equating to a 2.4-month inventory, with the median list price at $189,000.

Source: Ad Astra Radio

Sources

1. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/ribbon-cutting-held-friday-evening-for-new-mcpherson-high-school-field

2. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1655878051880720

3. https://www.facebook.com/USD418

4. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video

5. https://www.adastraradio.com/adastra-news/prairie-land-realtors-mid-kansas-report-shows-increase-in-home-sales-for-july