SALINA, KS — The City of Salina is continuing its search for a permanent City Manager, with applications still being accepted through June 22, 2025. According to Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, the process is active and competitive, with the city expecting to receive approximately 30 applications by the deadline.
The recruitment is being managed by Government Professional Solutions, and the first review of candidates is scheduled to begin on June 23. The selection process includes screening, interviews, and evaluations, which may extend into late fall or early winter, depending on the availability and qualifications of applicants.
Interim City Manager Jacob Wood, who stepped into the role in the first quarter of 2025, is among the applicants. He is currently receiving an additional $3,000 per month in compensation while serving in the interim role. That monthly increase, however, will end if he is not selected as the permanent City Manager. If he returns to his prior position as Deputy City Manager, he will retain the 3% merit-based salary increase recently approved by the City Commission.
Wood confirmed there is no fixed timeline for selecting the permanent City Manager. He expects to remain in the interim role until a final decision is made, which could take several more months, depending on how the process unfolds.
City leadership has indicated that the next City Manager will step into a stable fiscal environment. Salina is considered to be in strong financial condition, with well-managed reserves and no major operational crises. This positions the incoming City Manager to focus on long-term planning and community development, rather than addressing immediate financial challenges.
The official recruitment brochure outlines the position’s salary range of $185,000 to $275,000, depending on experience, along with a full benefits package. The City operates under a Commission–City Manager form of government and oversees a budget of $151 million across all funds.
Upcoming Meeting Notice:
The Salina City Commission will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in Room 107 of the City-County Building. Commissioners will meet to discuss and determine procedural aspects of the City Manager search and selection process.
As part of the meeting, the Commission will recess into executive session to review personnel matters involving non-elected personnel. This session will be used to confidentially evaluate the identity and qualifications of specific applicants for the City Manager position.