McPherson County commissioners approve courthouse blood‑pressure hub, land‑use variance and road plan

The McPherson County Board of Commissioners on May 13, 2026, approved an agreement with the West Central District Health Department to place a community blood‑pressure monitoring hub in the McPherson County Courthouse and handled a set of routine county matters, including a land‑use variance and updates to the county road plan.

At 9:15 a.m. the board met with Meghan Trevino of the West Central District Health Department, who provided materials on the Cardiovascular Health Learning Collaborative. Commissioner Brett Nason moved to approve an agreement allowing the department to place a community blood‑pressure monitoring hub in the courthouse; Commissioner Jeff Arensdorf seconded. The motion passed unanimously with Commissioners Brett Nason, Jeff Arensdorf and Chairman John E. Bryant voting aye.

The board also approved a variance application for Part of Block 33 Lots 16–20 and part of the vacated alley in Tryon (identified in the record as “The Lodge”). The McPherson County Board of Adjustment had recommended approval after a public hearing April 30, 2026; Commissioner Jeff Arensdorf moved to accept the recommendation and Commissioner Brett Nason seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Roads and maintenance were discussed during the meeting. Highway Superintendent Tom Werblow and road staff reported ongoing patching and maintenance and identified potential projects on Cemetery, Ringgold and Soddy Roads; Robert Watson and Luke Franzen are scheduled to present details at the June meeting. Chairman Bryant moved to approve the May Road Plan as presented with the Hasenauer Road project removed (the board said it had been completed); Commissioners Nason and Arensdorf voted in favor.

The board reviewed Fund Balance reports and approved the county’s payroll and monthly claims. Notable items on the claims list included payroll disbursements of $30,252.81, a payment to Keith County Communications for tower/electricity of $10,835.39, Gworks GIS website services for $5,000, Croell Inc. gravel for $15,251.67 and an inheritance‑funded motor grader purchase listed at $35,000. The claims list was approved as presented earlier in the meeting.

The county’s Assessor presented the 2026 Reports and Opinions of the Property Tax Administrator. The report lists McPherson County’s level of value for 2026 as 100% for residential and commercial property and 75% for agricultural property; the assessor’s quality of assessment was recorded as meeting generally accepted mass appraisal techniques and the administrator made no recommendations.

County staff also reviewed health insurance rate changes for 2026. The board was told Blue Cross Blue Shield rates will increase 4.68% for the county while employee‑paid dental rates will not increase; Commissioner Jeff Arensdorf moved to maintain the county’s current insurance plan, a motion seconded by Commissioner Nason and approved unanimously.

Other business included approval of an estimate from Mowrey Renovations to build three garage shelves for $700, and the board’s review and signing of the Management Representation Letter for the June 30, 2025 audit conducted by Contryman Associates, P.C. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the McPherson County Courthouse.

Votes at a glance

• Approval of minutes (motion to approve): Voting Aye — Jeff Arensdorf, John E. Bryant; Brett Nason absent at that time. Outcome: approved.

• Approval of claims and payroll (motion to approve): Voting Aye — Jeff Arensdorf, John E. Bryant (claims list subsequently approved with full set of items once Brett Nason joined). Outcome: approved.

• Agreement with West Central District Health Department to place a community blood‑pressure monitoring hub: Moved by Brett Nason; seconded by Jeff Arensdorf. Voting Aye — Brett Nason, Jeff Arensdorf, John E. Bryant. Outcome: approved.

• Variance — Part of Block 33 Lots 16–20 & part vacated alley, Tryon ("The Lodge"): Moved by Jeff Arensdorf; seconded by Brett Nason. Voting Aye — Arensdorf, Nason, Bryant. Outcome: approved.

• May Road Plan (remove Hasenauer Road project): Moved by John E. Bryant; seconded by Brett Nason. Voting Aye — Bryant, Nason, Arensdorf. Outcome: approved.

• Maintain current health insurance plan after 4.68% Blue Cross Blue Shield rate increase: Moved by Jeff Arensdorf; seconded by Brett Nason. Voting Aye — Arensdorf, Nason, Bryant. Outcome: approved.

• Mowrey Renovations shelving estimate ($700): Moved by Jeff Arensdorf; seconded by Brett Nason. Voting Aye — Arensdorf, Nason, Bryant. Outcome: approved.

Key documents and next steps

• West Central District Health Department agreement: county clerk to retain signed agreement; health department to proceed with hub installation as agreed.

• Road projects: Robert Watson and Luke Franzen to present scope and schedule at the June meeting.

• Audit: management representation letter for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, signed and retained for the audit by Contryman Associates, P.C.