12-344. Same; consolidation plan, required provisions. (a) Any plan submitted by the commission shall provide for the exercise of powers of local legislation and administration not inconsistent with the constitution or other laws of this state.

(b) If the commission submits a plan providing for the consolidation of certain city and county offices, functions, services and operations, the plan shall:

(1) Include a description of the form, structure, functions, powers and officers and the duties of such officers recommended in the plan;

(2) provide for the method of amendment of the plan;

(3) authorize the appointment of, or elimination of elective officials and offices;

(4) specify the effective date of the consolidation; and

(5) include other provisions determined necessary by the commission.

(c) If the plan provides for the consolidation of the city and county, in addition to the requirements of subsection (b), the plan shall:

(1) Fix the boundaries of the governing body's election districts, provide a method for changing the boundaries from time-to-time, any at-large positions on the governing body, fix the number, term and initial compensation of the governing body of the consolidated city-county and the method of election;

(2) determine whether elections of the governing body of the consolidated city-county shall be partisan or nonpartisan elections and the time at which such elections shall be held;

(3) determine the distribution of legislative and administrative duties of the consolidated city-county officials, provide for consolidation or expansion of services as necessary, authorize the appointment of a consolidated city-county administrator or a city-county manager, if deemed advisable, and prescribe the general structure of the consolidated city-county government;

(4) provide for the official name of the consolidated city-county; and

(5) provide for the transfer or other disposition of property and other rights, claims and assets of the county and city.

(d) Vacancies in the governing body shall be filled as provided in K.S.A. 2018 Supp. 12-104a, and amendments thereto.

History: L. 1996, ch. 11, § 5; L. 2015, ch. 88, § 72; July 1.