Wichita city council members will have more discussions early next year on whether to extend term limits for the mayor and council members.

A charter ordinance was on Tuesday’s agenda to extend the term limits from two to three, but vice mayor Jeff Blubaugh said there has been public input over the past few days that sent a clear message:  the decision should not be made without a public vote.    Blubaugh said it would cost $100,000 to have a special election or the issue could be included with the August 2020 primary.   He moved to table discussions until February, and the motion got unanimous approval from the council.

Blubaugh said there could also be an opportunity to have discussions with Sedgwick County, since there are no term limits for county commissioners.

Council member Brandon Johnson said the community should consider the status of council members as part-time, rather than full-time, so that plus council salaries should be part of the discussion.    Council member Cindy Claycomb said there should also be more research on the benefits of term limits.   She said research she has seen has not provided definitive answers regarding two-term or three-term limits, and she wants people to look into that more closely to have an informed discussion in February.