MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – Interim Manhattan City Manager Jason Hilgers announced the city’s newest Director of Public Utilities on Wednesday, August 14.
The City of Manhattan added the current Utilities Director for Odessa, Texas, Kevin Niles. Niles will oversee the reconstructed Public Utilities Department in Manhattan, which provides services for the city and surrounding infrastructure.
Niles brings more than a decade of utility management experience. In his current role in Odessa, Texas, he leads a department that operates five divisions:
- Laboratory
- Water treatment
- Wastewater treatment
- Distribution
- Collections
- Administration
In addition to the unique divisions that Niles leads, he manages a $35 million budget with 70 full-time workers.
His experience also includes:
- Three years as the district manager for Stratmoor Hills Water and Sanitation District.
- Six years as general water resources manager for Pueblo County, Colorado, for the Arkansas Groundwater Users’ Association.
- One year as Parks and Open Space Director for the Cherokee Metropolitan District in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In his new role with the City of Manhattan, Niles will have the responsibility to lead, plan, and manage all activities and operations of the department and its six divisions. Niles will oversee a staff of 61 full-time employees.
City of Manhattan’s Public Utilities department manages:
- 30 million gallons of water per day
- 11 million gallons of waste per day
- 5,400 manholes
- 280 miles of water mains
- 260 miles of sanitary sewer lines
- 26 lift stations
- 20 underground wells
- 6 water towers
- 6 booster stations
Niles holds a bachelor’s degree in political and economic studies from the University of Colorado, graduating in 2004, and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Colorado. Niles has completed the Franklin Covey 4DX Management Training.
Niles has an anticipated start date of Sept. 3, 2024.
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