Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr has announced his retirement after more than two decades in the position.
Fehr spent seven weeks in Houston, Texas earlier this fall undergoing treatment for cancer, something that factored into his decision. He says the cancer was caught early and so far the prognosis is good and he hopes to keep it that way.
Hired in January 1982 as the Forestry and Parks Supervisor, for the newly formed Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department, Fehr has spent his entire professional career with the City and was appointed City Manager in April 2000, succeeding Gary Greer. Other roles he’s held include Park Superintendent, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and Assistant City Manager. He also has served as Acting Zoo Director, Acting Director of Human Resources and twice served as Acting Director of Utilities.
Fehr has overseen many developments over the years, including the Flint Hills Discovery Center and nearby Blue Earth Plaza, a project that came about through the use of Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds.
In recent years, Fehr has led Aggieville redevelopment, changes within the Edge District (north campus corridor) to support the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility and growth efforts at Kansas State University. The city has also experienced modest growth since 2000, when the population surpassed 50,000, though that growth has been slow in recent years, primarily due to fluctuations at both Fort Riley and K-State.
Fehr has received many accolades including being honored with the Buford M. Watson Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Management in 2014, the highest award offered by the Kansas Association of City/County Management. He’s also been involved with Leadership Kansas and the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, serving on the Board of Trustees.
On January 2, the new Manhattan City Commission will start the process of selecting a successor. Fehr’s retirement will take effect in mid-April.
