Wichita, Kansas, December 3, 2025
The Wichita City Council has officially appointed Dennis Marstall as the new city manager following a 5-2 vote. Marstall, who has a strong background in public administration, will begin his term on December 31, 2025, with a starting salary of $298,000 and several benefits. This change comes as Robert Layton, the previous city manager, prepares for retirement after serving for over 16 years. Some council members raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process, advocating for improvements in future appointments.
Wichita City Council Appoints Dennis Marstall as New City Manager
Wichita, Kansas – In a significant move for local governance, the Wichita City Council has approved a contract for Dennis Marstall to become the city’s new city manager. This decision, made during a council meeting on December 2, 2025, followed a 5-2 vote in favor of the appointment. Councilmembers Brandon Johnson and Mike Hoheisel expressed their opposition to the approval.
Contract Details
The approved contract grants Marstall a starting annual salary of $298,000. The contract includes several additional benefits:
- Retirement Contribution: 10% of the annual salary.
- Auto Allowance: $6,600 per year.
- Phone Allowance: $600 per year.
- Relocation Expenses: Full coverage for moving and relocation costs.
These benefits underline the city’s commitment to attracting experienced talent to manage local governance effectively.
Background on Dennis Marstall
Before his appointment, Dennis Marstall served as the county administrator for Lancaster County, South Carolina, since 2021. His prior experience includes being the assistant city manager in Manhattan, Kansas, and various positions with the City of Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as serving as a vice president at United Way. Marstall’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kansas State University, alongside a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Louisville.
Selection Process
This appointment follows a comprehensive search that was initiated after the announcement of Robert Layton’s retirement at the end of 2025. A selection committee evaluated 89 applications, ultimately narrowing down the candidates to three finalists: Marstall, Mark Freitag, and Donte Martin, who is Wichita’s assistant city manager. However, Martin withdrew his candidacy prior to the final vote.
Council Members’ Positions
In the lead-up to the vote, councilmembers Brandon Johnson and Mike Hoheisel raised concerns regarding the selection process. Johnson highlighted the necessity for setting clear expectations and improving transparency in future searches, while Hoheisel shared similar sentiments, advocating for a more straightforward selection procedure.
Retirement of Previous City Manager
The change in leadership comes as Robert Layton prepares for retirement after serving as Wichita’s city manager for over 16 years. His tenure has included collaborations with four mayors and an impressive number of 21 different City Council members.
Next Steps
With the contract now approved, Dennis Marstall will officially step into the role of city manager on December 31, 2025. This transition is anticipated to be smooth, given Marstall’s extensive experience in public administration, which will be vital in fostering effective governance in Wichita.
Weather Forecast for Wichita, Kansas
As of December 3, 2025, the weather in Wichita is mostly cloudy with a temperature of 35°F (2°C). The forecast for the upcoming days is as follows:
- Wednesday, December 3: Intervals of clouds and sun, High: 43°F (6°C), Low: 18°F (-8°C)
- Thursday, December 4: Rather cloudy and cold, High: 35°F (1°C), Low: 22°F (-5°C)
- Friday, December 5: Mostly sunny and not as cold, High: 49°F (9°C), Low: 31°F (-1°C)
- Saturday, December 6: Cloudy most of the time, High: 48°F (9°C), Low: 29°F (-2°C)
- Sunday, December 7: Mostly cloudy and colder, High: 39°F (4°C), Low: 26°F (-3°C)
- Monday, December 8: Partly sunny and not as cold, High: 47°F (8°C), Low: 33°F (0°C)
- Tuesday, December 9: Not as cool with plenty of sunshine, High: 54°F (12°C), Low: 38°F (3°C)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dennis Marstall?
Dennis Marstall is the county administrator for Lancaster County, South Carolina, and has been appointed as Wichita’s new city manager, effective December 31, 2025.
What is the starting salary for the new city manager?
The starting annual salary for Dennis Marstall is $298,000, with additional benefits including retirement contributions, auto and phone allowances, and relocation expenses.
Who were the other finalists for the city manager position?
The other finalists were Mark Freitag and Donte Martin, Wichita’s assistant city manager since 2017. Donte Martin withdrew his candidacy last month.
Why did Councilmembers Johnson and Hoheisel vote against the contract approval?
Both councilmembers expressed concerns about the selection process, emphasizing the need for clear expectations and a more transparent procedure in future searches.
When is Robert Layton’s retirement effective?
Robert Layton, the current city manager, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025, after over 16 years of service.
Key Features of the New City Manager Appointment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New City Manager | Dennis Marstall |
| Effective Date | December 31, 2025 |
| Starting Salary | $298,000 per year |
| Additional Benefits | Retirement contribution, auto and phone allowances, relocation expenses |
| Previous City Manager | Robert Layton |
| Layton’s Retirement Date | December 31, 2025 |
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Wichita City Council Appoints Dennis Marstall as New City Manager
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