Lenexa council changes city administrator’s title to city manager

Lenexa city leaders have taken first steps to change the city administrator’s title to city manager.

Discussion of the title change comes ahead of the pending retirement of Lenexa city administrator Eric Wade, who plans to stay on staff for a few months alongside his replacement to facilitate a smooth transition next year.

The Lenexa council in its Dec. 18 meeting voted 6-1 on an ordinance for the title change. Councilmember Bill Nicks cast the single dissenting vote. Councilmember Thomas Nolte was absent for the vote and council discussion.

Lenexa city attorney Cindy Harmison said that in a presentation earlier this month to the council, a search consultant with Strategic Government Resources suggested that the title change to city manager would best fit Wade’s current responsibilities and duties. The search consultant also found that the title change would widen the city’s search for Wade’s replacement and would be more likely to attract candidates.

The council’s ordinance change required a simple majority and goes into effect upon publication.