The Wichita City Council has approved a contract with Dennis Marstall to become the new City Manager.
The deal is worth $298 thousand per year and includes supplemental benefits like an auto and phone allowance.
Mayor Lily Wu was one of the 5 "yes" votes in approving the hire and says she's looking forward to working with the new manager, starting December 31.
Marstall has worked in Lancaster County in South Carolina as the county administrator since 2021.
Wichita residents will pay more for water and sewer next year.
Rates for a low-volume user will increase by 7.11% in 2026, which means an extra $4.10 a month.
The city says the increases are necessary for a number of reasons. They must pay off debt on the new Northwest Water Treatment facility and the for the improvements at the BNR facility, located in south Wichita. In addition, the city must replace aging underground infrastructure, along with maintaining the city’s current debt rating.
Another factor is that Derby and Valley Center will begin operation of their own water treatment facilities in 2027, meaning Wichita will sell 400 million fewer gallons of wholesale water to those customers.
City Manager Robert Layton says the city projects to reduce the rate increase to 5% by 2030, but market factors like inflation, energy rates and chemical costs could change that plan.
Also at Tuesday meeting, the city agreed to 3-year contract deals with the Firefighters, Transit and Airport unions.
Eligible employees in each union will receive merit-based step increases and general pay adjustments, along with longevity pay.
The firefighter's union has a new pay provision for putting on and removing their equipment, which are required pre- and post-shift activities. The city says this provision will add an estimated $5.9 million to the city's budget. The new contract with the firefighters also includes 8 weeks of paid maternity leave.