The city of Wichita will soon request proposals from outside firms that will help in the City Manager candidate search.
The City Council unanimously approved the RFP that will be advertised, starting next Monday.
Pam Pennington, Assistant HR Director, was asked why the city couldn't perform the nationwide search for Robert Layton's replacement. She said the citizen engagement process can be done better by an outside firm, who would be completely neutral.
The city wants a firm that will utilize that engagement and public forums to help select the right candidate. The city says that candidate must have a minimum of five years’ experience in similar services with cities similar in size to Wichita, and must have a strong knowledge of municipal government operations.
It will likely cost the city around $75,000 to hire the consulting firm, or about 30 percent of the expected salary for a new City Manager.
Evaluation and interviews of potential firms will take place from late May into June, with council approval shortly thereafter.
Robert Layton is retiring at the end of the year.