By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The resignation of Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis was officially announced at Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting. News surfaced last week that Francis has a contract, pending approval, to become the city administrator in Hutchinson.
RELATED STORY: Great Bend City Administrator to be hired in Hutchinson
At Monday’s meeting, Francis announced his final
day with Great Bend will be Jan. 6, 2023.
"I thank you for the privilege of serving Great Bend as city administrator," said Francis. "I wish you, our team and this wonderful community the very best success moving forward."
Listen to Francis' official announcement of his resignation below.
Francis came to Great Bend in July 2018 after spending almost three years in Coffeyville as city administrator.
An emotional Francis at Monday’s meeting,
noted it was a privilege to help heal a divided community at the time of his
arrival in Great Bend, navigate through a pandemic and provide more than $33
million in capital improvements to facilities.
"During the next 35 days, I will work with you and the executive leadership team to plan for a smooth transition of projects, initiatives and responsibilities in advance of my departure," said Francis. "In recognition of the impact this decision will have on the organization, I strongly encourage to rely upon the recommendations of these talented leaders to guide you in the days ahead."
Francis’ contract with Hutchinson was printed in the Hutchinson City Council
agenda documents. Official approval of his contract will be discussed at the
Tuesday, Dec. 6 meeting.
The Great Bend City Council spent 50 combined minutes in executive session
Monday discussing the city administrator position, prior to Francis’
announcement. Mayor Cody Schmidt thanked Francis for his four years with the
city and noted steps are underway now to find Francis’ replacement.