The City of Independence has hired John Garris to be its new City Engineer/Public Works and Utilities Director.

City manager Kelly Passauer announced the hiring of Garris at Thursday's city commission meeting. He will replace outgoing directors Mike Passauer and Terry Lybarger, both of whom are scheduled to retire in 2021. Garris will assume the role on January 4 and will supervise all Public Works and Utilities departments, including airport, street, sanitation, water distribution, sewer collection, water treatment and wastewater treatment.

Garris and his wife, Sheri, moved to Independence in 2009. He has two sons, one who is currently a student at Kansas State University, and one who is a freshman at Independence High School. Sheri works as an adjunct instructor at Independence Community College and an instructor at area high schools.