McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday approved a $189,000 contract for indigent defense services for 2025, an increase of five percent from 2024. This involves contracts with four attorneys, two of which are designated as primary contractors and two as conflict attorneys, who are brought in for cases involving more than one defendant.
Commissioners agreed to not bill the city of McPherson the remaining $7,071 of shared costs related to the law enforcement center. The city has already paid an original invoice of $581,550 covering its share of E-911, building and phone expenses for the LEC.
Approval was given for a just under $3,500 purchase of parts to replace the track rollers on an excavator at Public Works. Fleet Maintenance Foreman Mike Evans said leaks had been found on eight of the rollers, and it was decided to repair all 18 as the existing ones are original to the excavator which has 3,000 hours on it.
Evans also reported they are preparing equipment for winter storms and also treating roads with brine to get ready.
Commissioners approved purchase of the spring chemicals for the Noxious Weed Department. Director Dan Schrag said one of the bids noted one chemical would be on an “if available” basis.
The chemicals are being purchased from three vendors, and Schrag said one of the chemicals used is a new product that has up to now shown better performance on field bindweed. These chemicals are then sold to landowners on a cost-share basis at a 25 percent discount on the purchase price as provided by state law.
Commissioners also signed the 2024 annual eradication process report and 2025 management plan for submission to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and in executive session reviewed applications for a new weed director to succeed Schrag on his retirement later this year.
Commissioners approved a contract with We Wash Windows for custodial services at the office where the County Attorney’s office is temporarily located during renovation of the County Building. This contract is for two hours a day, two days a week at a monthly cost of $532. It also held an executive session with County Counselor Brian Bina on a legal matter.
