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Mayor highlights 29 new officers, summer youth hiring push and pledges follow-up on Wichita Water Works fee waiver
Summary
At an off-site mayor’s briefing, officials celebrated the graduation of 29 Wichita police recruits, launched recruitment for 150 summer youth positions (applications open through Feb. 6), and heard a public question about a Sept. 14, 2024 vote to waive Wichita Water Works late fees; the mayor said he would consult staff.
At an off-site mayor's briefing at Central Community Church, the mayor (unnamed) and Council Member Joseph Shepherd highlighted personnel and community programs and answered public questions.
Police and personnel: The mayor announced that 29 recruits "now have become new Wichita police officers," noting recruits included local hires and people from other states and praising the police chief's recruitment and retention efforts.
Youth employment: The mayor described the 'Way to Work' summer youth employment program, which has run for about 15 years and pairs 14- to 17-year-olds with paid, 8–10-week work experiences. The mayor said "approximately 2,100 young people have gone through the program since it began" and that the city is seeking about 150 part-time youth workers this summer; he said "applications are now open through February 6" at wichita.gov/hr.
Community events: Council Member Joseph Shepherd announced Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in District 1 including an Arise breakfast at Wichita State University, a Habitat for Humanity MLK Day build at Century II, and a Greater Wichita Ministerial League celebration with Bishop Herman Hicks as the keynote speaker.
Public question on utility billing: An unidentified questioner asked why the council voted on 09/14/2024 to waive the late fee for the Wichita Water Works and why the public was not notified, arguing that "the city would have had $5,000,000" if the fee had remained in place and asked whether the fee might be reinstated or the loss recuperated by other methods. The mayor responded, "I was not made aware of that, until I got an email from the Wichita Eagle, and I'm still looking for more information from the city staff," and said he would speak with staff and the council about the omission.
Local governance notes: The mayor also congratulated Sedgwick County's new chair Jeff Blubaugh and pro tem Stephanie Wise and noted Dalton Glasscock was selected vice mayor for the City of Wichita. The briefing concluded after a brief question-and-answer period.
