To address the budget shortfall, Lenexa had to change its way of doing business. More than 60 employees accepted a voluntary retirement/resignation offer in 2009, and more than 20 unfilled positions were held vacant while the city worked through a strategic reorganization plan to improve efficiency while continuing to provide good services.
Three city departments – Community Development, Public Works and Information Technology – underwent significant restructuring to improve service and efficiency. The Community Development Department was reorganized to facilitate both public and private development through planning, public projects, community standards, licensing and high-quality building practices. Engineering and inspection services that were previously managed in Public Works were moved to Community Development to improve efficiency and help foster even better development in the future. The Municipal Services Department (previously Public Works) was reorganized to focus on maintaining the city’s public infrastructure and facilities. The restructured Enterprise Systems and Technology Department combines the city’s information technology and network management with the city’s geographic information systems division.
In addition to the restructure, Lenexa was forced to make tough decisions about services and priorities in 2009. The July 4th fireworks, hosted the past several years in partnership with the city of Shawnee, were cancelled. Lenexa considered eliminating the school crossing guard service, but after receiving input from the community, the city decided to offer the service by contracting with a third-party provider, saving taxpayers about $40,000 annually.
Leadership in Lenexa also underwent numerous changes in 2009. The community said goodbye to three longtime councilmembers and welcomed three new councilmembers. Jane Klein, who had served as a Ward 1 councilmember for 20 years, passed away in April; John Ramsey, who had served as a Ward 1 councilmember for 14 years, passed away in November; and Dan Sullivan, a Ward 3 councilmember for 10 years resigned because he moved out of the city. Three new councilmembers were appointed to fill the vacant council seats: Joe Karlin, Ward 1; Lou Serrone, Ward 3; and Steve Lemons, Ward 1.
In addition, three department directors retired in 2009: Ron Norris, Public Works Director; John VanNice, Information Technology Director; and, Roger Kroh, Community Development Director. The appointment of new directors was scheduled for January 2010.
