by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
MANHATTAN - City Manager, Ron Fehr, has announced he will retire in mid-April of 2024.
Fehr was the City of Manhattan's eighth City Manager.
Fehr will retire with 24 years as City Manager, and more than 42 years working for the City of Manhattan in some capacity.
“If you would have forecasted that I would spend my entire professional career with the City of Manhattan, I would have chuckled and said, ‘Not likely.’ However, Manhattan really grew on me and ultimately my family also,” Fehr said, adding, “The Little Apple is a great place, and it has been an honor to serve this community and the City of Manhattan organization all these years as we look forward to our next chapter.”
Fehr was appointed City Manager on April 17, 2000, and has played a huge role in shaping the City's growth and development.
“Ron Fehr has been an invaluable asset to our community,” said Mayor Mark Hatesohl. “His leadership, vision, and commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on Manhattan.”
Fehr's career with the City of Manhattan started in the Parks and Recreation Department as it was being formed in January 1982. He was hired on as the Forestry and Parks Supervisor and served as Park Superintendent, and spent six years as an Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation while achieving his master's degree in public administration(MPA) from Kansas State University in December 1990.
In December 1992, Fehr was promoted to the position of Assistant City Manager.
Fehr has served in multiple positions including Acting Zoo Director, Acting Director of Human Resources, and Acting Director of Utilities (twice).
In 1995, Fehr assumed the role of Acting City Manager, and again in just before being permanently appointed to the position in April 2000.
“I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in serving as City Manager for Manhattan and to be surrounded by exceptional leadership teams, a talented and caring workforce, thoughtful elected officials, and intergovernmental partners, with motivated community and business leaders working together to make Manhattan and the Flint Hills region a better place to live, learn, work, and play,” Fehr said.
Upon its reorganization in January 2024, the City Commission will be tasked with conducting a search for a new permanent City Manager to build upon Fehr’s leadership and continue the City’s trajectory of success.
On January 2, following the recent November election, new city commissioners Susan Adamchak, Karen McCulloh, and Peter Oppelt; returning Commissioner John Matta; and current Mayor Pro Tem Wynn Butler will work with Fehr and City administration to consider the process to select his replacement.