Topeka's push for HUD housing inspections stalled in Senate

City prepares for continued battles over property tax revenue limits

Proposed utility rate hikes may shift toward commercial users

Over $3 million in active utility accounts eligible for shutoff

Council members push for usage-based billing and smart meter access

Evergy pressured as thousands remain without power following storms

Funding for Hotel Topeka chiller repair passes in split vote

Council approves $175,000 settlement for employment lawsuit

Topeka's push for HUD housing inspections stalled in Senate

TOPEKA, Kan. — A city-backed bill aimed at authorizing local periodic inspections of Department of Housing and Urban Development-subsidized housing units passed the Kansas House but was blocked in the Senate during the 2026 legislative session. The city's contract lobbyist, Whitney Damron, informed the governing body Tuesday that Senate leadership refused to advance House Bill 2099 due to ideological opposition to expanding local government authority. Frustration was expressed over the legislative hurdle, with urges for the city to build a stronger municipal coalition next year to combat unsafe living conditions and hold non-compliant landlords accountable.

City prepares for continued battles over property tax revenue limits

TOPEKA, Kan. — Property taxes dominated the 2026 Kansas legislative session, though no major overhaul reached the finish line. According to the city's legislative recap, Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed two bills that would have capped local government revenue growth at 3 percent or inflation, triggering public protest petitions if budgets exceeded the cap. Constitutional amendments targeting valuation increase caps also failed to pass both chambers. The city's lobbyist, Whitney Damron, warned the council that with the upcoming November elections, property tax limits will likely resurface as a highly contentious issue in 2027.

Proposed utility rate hikes may shift toward commercial users

TOPEKA, Kan. — As the city debates upcoming water and wastewater rate hikes, a strong preference was indicated for a tiered approach that spares residential customers from the heaviest financial burden. Following a presentation comparing Topeka's rates to 16 other regional municipalities, data showed Topeka's residential water rates are higher than average, while industrial rates sit firmly in the middle. It was noted that surrounding cities with higher commercial rates continue to see business growth, suggesting the council should look closely at a rate model that would apply higher percentage increases to commercial and industrial users rather than residential households.

Over $3 million in active utility accounts eligible for shutoff

TOPEKA, Kan. — A late May snapshot of city utility accounts reveals that $3.2 million in active accounts are over 40 days past due and eligible for shutoff. Utilities Director Sylvia Davis reported that single-family residential customers account for nearly 64 percent of those delinquencies. While total outstanding utility debt sits at $12.3 million — a figure that includes recently billed accounts that are not yet late — staff emphasized the city's willingness to work with struggling residents. Davis urged customers facing shutoffs to contact the city to set up incremental payment plans rather than incurring same-day service and shutoff fees.

Council members push for usage-based billing and smart meter access

TOPEKA, Kan. — During a lengthy utility rate discussion, a request was made for a rate model where customers — both residential and industrial — are billed strictly for the water they use, effectively stripping out base charges on inactive meters. Utilities staff warned this could cause massive, immediate rate spikes for industrial users who rely on large meters. Meanwhile, advocacy was heard for granting residents direct online access to the city's smart meters so they can monitor live usage. Staff confirmed the smart meter tracking system is currently in a beta-testing phase, with the goal of full public access temporarily hindered by the city's antiquated billing software.

Evergy pressured as thousands remain without power following storms

TOPEKA, Kan. — Following severe overnight thunderstorms, local officials actively pressured utility provider Evergy to prioritize the restoration of power in Topeka. Out of 118,000 regional outages, approximately 25,000 occurred in the city, with 7,000 residents and 60 commercial properties still in the dark by Tuesday evening. Frustration was expressed after learning some residents might not see power restored for 48 hours due to 500 broken utility poles in the service corridor. Multiple council members also took time to publicly commend the city's property maintenance and public works crews for their rapid response in clearing downed trees and keeping local streets passable.

Funding for Hotel Topeka chiller repair passes in split vote

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city will allocate $16,289.25 to repair a broken York chiller at Hotel Topeka following a non-unanimous vote. Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley explained that repairing the second chiller is a necessary best practice to maintain the downtown property and provide a backup during the hot summer months. The resolution, conditionally approved earlier in the evening by the Topeka Development Corporation board, passed despite dissenting votes from two council members.

Council approves $175,000 settlement for employment lawsuit

TOPEKA, Kan. — The governing body unanimously approved a $175,000 settlement to resolve an employment-related lawsuit with a former city employee. The settlement, which was passed without discussion as part of the consent agenda, resolves all claims arising from the person's past employment with the city on a full and final basis. Details of the lawsuit and the identity of the former employee were not publicly disclosed.

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