Topeka City Council Summary
Week of September 17, 2026
City council unanimously approves 2027 budget with $10 million in cuts
Funding for USD 501 school resource officers cut in split vote
City manager proposes major sales tax initiatives to offset projected deficits
Affordable housing committee formally requests dedicated sales tax
Proposal to fund market-rate housing with sales tax faces stiff resistance
Major developer withdraws from Affordable Housing Trust Fund project
City bids farewell to key financial and legal officials
City council unanimously approves 2027 budget with $10 million in cuts
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka City Council voted 10-0 to adopt the fiscal year 2027 operating budget, which features more than $10 million in cuts to address rising personnel and operational costs. City officials highlighted that the budget does not increase the mill levy for the 15th consecutive year, though it captures a 4.5 percent increase in property valuation revenue. The budget freezes several open positions, including within the fire department, to offset significant public safety salary increases and inflation, maintaining overall spending at less than a 0.5 percent increase from the previous year.
Funding for USD 501 school resource officers cut in split vote
TOPEKA, Kan. — In an 8-2 vote, the council approved a budget amendment to phase out financial support for the Topeka Public Schools USD 501 School Resource Officer program after the current contract expires in mid-2027. The move sparked fierce debate over student safety and arguments that the school district has its own certified police force and should assume the financial burden. The Topeka Police Department will continue to offer in-kind support, threat assessment and training to the district's officers, freeing up city funds and returning some officers to regular street duty.
City manager proposes major sales tax initiatives to offset projected deficits
TOPEKA, Kan. — City Manager Dr. Robert Perez introduced proposed sales tax initiatives aimed at the March 2027 ballot to address a structural deficit projected to reach $13.3 million by 2028. Perez recommended a new half-cent general use sales tax, generating roughly $20 million annually, and a new one-tenth of a cent tax to fund housing initiatives. He also proposed renewing the existing half-cent citywide infrastructure tax. Perez stated that without additional revenue or these ballot measures, the city will face severe service reductions across all departments to maintain its required reserve levels.
Affordable housing committee formally requests dedicated sales tax
TOPEKA, Kan. — Prior to the broader council debate on market-rate housing, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Committee formally recommended its own version of a one-tenth of a cent special sales tax for the March 2027 ballot. The committee's plan specifically requests that the generated funds be split evenly between homelessness services and the trust fund. This formal request highlighted the friction between community-led housing advocates and the city manager's proposal to allocate a portion of those funds to offset tax incentives for high-end residential development.
Proposal to fund market-rate housing with sales tax faces stiff resistance
TOPEKA, Kan. — A component of the city manager's proposed one-tenth of a cent sales tax that would direct half of the revenue to a "market-rate housing fund" drew sharp criticism from the public. Representatives from the community advocacy group Topeka JUMP argued the funds should be strictly dedicated to affordable housing and homelessness initiatives, such as the Built for Zero program. Resistance emerged against the ballot language, with indications from meeting attendees that it will not be supported unless it is revised to exclude market-rate housing incentives before the final October approval deadline.
Major developer withdraws from Affordable Housing Trust Fund project
TOPEKA, Kan. — Director of Housing and Homeless Services Carrie Higgins announced that a major property developer has withdrawn its proposal for a 24-unit housing cooperative, returning a significant portion of capital to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The withdrawal leaves the fund with a balance of $684,000. Higgins stated the trust fund committee will host a public forum and issue a second round of requests for proposals in the coming months, pivoting its focus toward smaller agencies and individual property rehab projects to stimulate affordable housing development.
City bids farewell to key financial and legal officials
TOPEKA, Kan. — The council meeting marked the final appearances for two key municipal officials: Finance Director Josh McAnarney and City Attorney Nicholas Jefferson. Both are departing to pursue other career opportunities. McAnarney was praised for his extensive work in balancing the challenging 2027 budget and Jefferson was thanked for his legal guidance over the past year, acknowledging the heavy workload and high turnover rate in local government leadership.
Click here for local obituaries
Click here for local jail logs
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
