McPherson County commissioners table voucher resolution, approve routine resolutions and equipment orders; data-center review deferred

The McPherson County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 4 tabled a proposed resolution opposing a state school-voucher bill and moved forward with a slate of routine county business that included approving checks-cancellation and firefighting-designee resolutions, three tax abatements and orders for highway equipment. Commissioners agreed to continue gathering information and to consider a possible moratorium or other limits on additional data centers at a later meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners said a voucher program could reduce public-school funding if students left district schools, and they want better numbers and legal/zoning language before taking a formal county position. Separately, the county completed standard fiscal and administrative tasks and approved highway equipment purchases that county staff said are time-sensitive.

The meeting opened with a public-comment and agenda review. Early in the session commissioners discussed a draft resolution to oppose legislation that would create a school-voucher program paying up to $3,000 per student for textbooks and learning materials. Commissioners said they were concerned that if students leave the public school roll it would reduce state aid to districts (commissioners cited roughly $7,800 per pupil as the funding unit used in examples). After discussion and requests for more precise figures and legal analysis, Commissioner Mike moved to table the resolution; Commissioner Neil seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

Commission business and fiscal actions followed. County finance staff described Resolution 25-7, which cancels county checks and warrants outstanding two years or more; the board adopted the resolution after staff said the checks dated Feb. 3, 2023, had been contacted at least twice and would be reissued or canceled at month end if unclaimed. The board also adopted Resolution 25-8 naming designees authorized to request wildland firefighting resources from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s wildland fire division.

On…