Council approves utility liens amid heated debate over base charges

Utilities department presents $46 million capital improvement plan for 2027

Administration accused of misleading public on Oakland spill

Divided council approves rezoning for Southeast 25th Street townhomes

Utility fees waived to support Rochester Road affordable housing project

Council grants fee waiver for 42-unit affordable housing development

Transient guest tax to increase to 8.5 percent in 2027

North Topeka Arts District to deploy artificial intelligence cameras for safety

Free tablet program launches for income-qualified residents

Council approves utility liens amid heated debate over base charges

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka Governing Body voted 6-4 to impose real estate liens on 618 delinquent utility accounts totaling $525,517. The vote followed extensive debate over the city's base charge applied to vacant properties and non-active meters. Several council members strongly opposed the measure, arguing it disproportionately harms low-income residents and property owners without active water service. The measure ultimately passed, with supporters noting the fees are current municipal law and the collection method is necessary to maintain utility revenue without penalizing paying customers. Four council members voted no.

Utilities department presents $46 million capital improvement plan for 2027

TOPEKA, Kan. — Budget and finance officials outlined a proposed $46 million capital improvement plan for the city's utilities in 2027, notable for requiring no new revenue bonding for the year. The plan allocates $17.3 million for water projects, including a new 2-million-gallon water tower in the southeast zone and ongoing water main replacements. It also sets aside $12.4 million for stormwater improvements and $16 million for wastewater infrastructure, focusing heavily on sanitary sewer interceptor maintenance and localized flood mitigation along Shunga Creek.

Administration accused of misleading public on Oakland spill

TOPEKA, Kan. — During the meeting's announcement period, the city's administration faced public criticism over an April 14 presentation regarding the Oakland wastewater spill. Allegations were made that the council and the public were misled about whether the spill directly caused reported employee illnesses in the affected building. The situation was called a systemic failure that deeply impacted city workers, prompting demands for greater accountability and clear communication from city leadership. The city administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the allegations.

Divided council approves rezoning for Southeast 25th Street townhomes

TOPEKA, Kan. — Following concerns over housing density and out-of-state developers, the council voted 8-2 to rezone 1.14 acres at 2450 S.E. 25th St. to a limited multifamily dwelling district. The change paves the way for a proposed 14-unit townhome development. Dissenting council members expressed concerns about "poverty stacking" and Calupi Investments' track record of buying and selling properties. Supporters argued the development offers a needed transition zone between apartments and single-family homes and brings much-needed affordable housing to a long-vacant lot.

Utility fees waived to support Rochester Road affordable housing project

TOPEKA, Kan. — The council approved waiving $40,000 in utility system and connection fees for a proposed 34-unit affordable housing development at 2800 N.W. Rochester Road. The waiver, requested by Hoppe & Son Inc., provides the developer with critical points necessary to secure a competitive 9 percent federal low-income housing tax credit from the state. Frustration was expressed during the meeting regarding federal structures that pit municipalities against each other by mandating local fee waivers to secure essential housing credits.

Council grants fee waiver for 42-unit affordable housing development

TOPEKA, Kan. — In a related housing effort, the council waived $40,000 in utility fees for Resource Housing Group to develop a 42-unit affordable housing complex at Southwest 37th Street and Gage Boulevard. The $12.49 million project will be 100 percent income-restricted, serving residents earning 30 percent to 60 percent of the area median income, with lowest rents estimated between $400 and $500 a month. Like the Rochester Road project, the waiver bolsters the developer's application for federal housing tax credits. The measure passed the council.

Transient guest tax to increase to 8.5 percent in 2027

TOPEKA, Kan. — The council approved a charter ordinance to increase the city's transient guest tax from 7 percent to 8.5 percent starting in 2027. Officials emphasized the tax applies only to hotel stays, not local taxpayers, and the increase aligns Topeka with rates in similarly sized Kansas cities. The additional 1.5 percent in revenue will remain unallocated for its first year, pending future council decisions on community distribution. The ordinance passed 9-0.

North Topeka Arts District to deploy artificial intelligence cameras for safety

TOPEKA, Kan. — Pedro Concepcion, chief executive officer of the North Topeka Arts District, presented the North Topeka Business Improvement District's annual report, highlighting a conservative $10,000 to $13,000 budget. Concepcion announced a pilot program to install artificial intelligence cameras throughout the district to enhance safety and walkability. Additional district funds will target beautification efforts, including public art maintenance and winter snow removal.

Free tablet program launches for income-qualified residents

TOPEKA, Kan. — City manager Robert M. Perez announced the launch of a city digital access program, an initiative from the Office of Inclusive Communities aimed at bridging the digital divide. The fully grant-funded program offers free tablets to income-qualified residents who have not previously received a desktop computer through the initiative. Perez emphasized that the program uses no local city tax dollars and is currently open for eligible community members to apply.

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