By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
With the recent resignation of the City of Great Bend’s Public Works Director Jason Cauley, the city is exploring with restructuring the department by dividing it into two separate entities: the Public Works Department and the Utilities Department.
City Administrator Logan Burns said splitting the department could allow for more focused leadership in each area, with directors possessing specialized knowledge in their respective fields – namely, streets and infrastructure for Public Works, and water and sewer for Utilities.
"This is a new approach," said Burns. "This is what the City of Hays does. It's been working out for them. I know there are several other cities that are doing it. I believe around the Maize area as well. If this turns out where we don't like it, we can always go back."
Burns said Garden City and McPherson are also looking for similar positions and are offering more compensation. Creating a second department for Great Bend will require an additional $60,000 to be budgeted within the General Fund.
Councilmember Alan Moeder said the hiring process may be more manageable by seeking candidates with specific skill sets rather than one individual with broad expertise across multiple areas.
"I just think it's a lot of work for one person to do," said Moeder. "I think Jason got burned out a little bit. I think we need to split it so we don't have that issue of being burned out. That's a lot to take care of for one person."
The City Council approved the ordinance establishing a utilities department and the position of Director of Utilities. Applications will be accepted until July 22, interviews will be the following week and the city hopes to make an appointment on Aug. 4.