When Kent Hixson accepted the job of Mulvane’s city administrator in 1994, little did he know that his service would stretch almost three decades. “Back then, I would have laughed at the idea of staying 29 years,” he said. “I wanted to stay long enough so our two sons could get through high school.” Hixson officially retired from his work with the city in October of 2023. His last city council meeting – after attending hundreds through his years of service – was Oct. 2. “It’s bittersweet,” Hixson said, “but it’s my time to move on and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.” At the time, Hixson retired as the current longest-tenured city administrator in Kansas. He said part of that stability was due to working with great city councils and council members. Overseeing the daily operations of Mulvane and the city’s department heads on a routine basis, one of the accomplishments Hixson said he was fondest of was building the new library. “I’m a big fan of libraries and we have a beautiful one,” he said of the building, which opened in 2016. Additionally, Hixson took pride in the pathway established that connects Mulvane and Derby – and the work put in between both cities and Sedgwick County to make that happen. Hixson saw the Kansas Star Casino become an “excellent” neighbor during his tenure and noted Mulvane was lucky enough to grow over his 29 years with the city while still maintaining a tight-knit feel – with a historic downtown playing a part in that. “We wouldn’t see this growth if we were out in western Kansas,” Hixson said. “We’re the typical bedroom community and glad to be that.”
Source: Derby Informer | Area
