have also invested in housing and childcare, helping attract new families. Public safety is a priority, with a second fire station now complete and plans to improve insurance ratings for residents and businesses. INCENTIVES WITH ACCOUNTABILITY Tax abatements have played a significant role in McPherson’s industrial recruitment strategy. “In the last 10 years, we have dealt out over 200 million dollars in tax abatements,” Mayor Brown says. “But we did not give away money. We deferred taxes, and once abatements expire, companies pay a hefty tax. In the first couple of years after they return to the rolls, they more than make up for what was deferred.” Becker notes that each abatement must prove its worth before approval. “Companies must show us a formula that proves the project will benefit the county in 10 years. Otherwise, we do not authorize it,” he says. “It has to be a win-win.” LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE Recruitment efforts are ongoing, with international connections helping McPherson attract new industry. Mayor Brown says,“We have people who just came back from Germany, Austria, and France. We are working to recruit companies, and in the last two weeks, we have had promising leads.” Challenges remain, including balancing advanced manufacturing with agriculture, building enough housing to meet demand, and maintaining elder care facilities amid rising costs. Becker stresses the importance of infrastructure as a county priority.“We are replacing a million-dollar bridge west of town and renovating a five-story bank building to move county services there, creating a safer environment for workers and the public,” he says. PRIDE IN PEOPLE AND CULTURE Even with these challenges, McPherson continues to invest in recreation and culture. “We accepted a gift of a golf course 15 years ago, and it is now one of the top five public golf courses in Kansas,” Mayor Brown says.“Last year, it brought in over one million 83 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 MCPHERSON, KS
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