Kan. Stat. § 74-2617
On July 1, 1981, officers and employees who, immediately prior to such date, were engaged in the performance of powers, duties or functions which are transferred pursuant to the provisions of this act, and who, in the opinion of the director of the Kansas water office, are necessary to perform the powers, duties and functions of the Kansas water office, shall be transferred to, and shall become officers and employees of such office. Any such officer or employee shall retain all retirement benefits and all rights of civil service which had accrued to or vested in such officer or employee prior to the effective date of this act. The service of each such officer or employee so transferred shall be deemed to have been continuous. All transfers and any abolishments of personnel in the classified service under the Kansas civil service act shall be in accordance with civil service laws and any rules and regulations adopted thereunder.
K.S.A. 74-2617