by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — The city of Wellington could change its city prosecutor soon. At a work session Monday night the council directed City Manager Shane Shields to negotiate a contract with city attorney Shane DeJarnett to take over as city prosecutor.

Shawn DeJarnett

Kerwin Spencer has been the city prosecutor for 18 years, and also serves in that role for the county.

The issue came up in December when it was discovered that the contract had not been renewed in several years. A committee was formed, and they took bids, and the committee’s recommendation was to make the change, Shields told the council.

One of the reasons cited was DeJarnett has experience as a city judge – in Caldwell and Harper – and that gives an added perspective to the job.

Shields said other cities, like Arkansas City and Winfield, have the same person serving as city attorney and prosecutor.

A third applicant, Matthew Mullen of Mulvane, was not chosen because he had less experience than the other two.

Each of the three were interviewed and asked to submit bids. It was expected the bids would be higher than what is being paid to Spencer now.

Spencer’s proposal was for $2,500 per month, and that to increase by $100 each year for three years. He also asked for $200 for an associate.

DeJarnett proposed $3,000 per month.

Mullen had proposed $2,800.

Kerwin Spencer

While the council cannot vote in a work session, they can reach a consensus, which they did. They could vote on this as soon as the next meeting if an agreement is reached with DeJarnett.

It was not unanimous however. Councilman Jim Valentine said he had seen Spencer work and liked the job he is doing. He also liked the lower price that was offered.

Councilman Joe Soria agreed and felt the lower price was better.

Council member Kelley Hawley said she wanted to save money, but felt the city should go with the staff recommendation.

Kevin Dodds agreed with Hawley on the staff recommendation.

Council member Kip Etter, at the meeting via speaker phone, said he wanted to be sure the police chief was ok with the change.

Shields said the committee – which included police chief Tracy Heath – was unanimous.

Spencer was at the meeting, and said he thought he had done a good job for the city. He said he didn’t think there was a consensus being shown.

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The council also briefly discussed applicants for various boards, and some of the applicants were in attendance. The council is likely to appoint the following to boards at its next meeting.

•Jim Bales to the Library Board

•Terry Deschaines to the Health Care Authority

•Michael Holman to the Planning Commission

•Alois Hutchison to the Housing Board

•John Boyd to the Board of Zoning Appeals

•Brian Marks to the Airport Advisory Board

•Tracy McCue to the Planning Commission.

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