City faces projected $15 million deficit for 2027 budget

Pending state legislation could cap property tax revenue

Public safety staffing freezes raise concerns about burnout

City considers sales tax initiative for fire stations and housing

McGee sworn in as District 8 council member

Council sets hearing for Hotel Topeka tax district

Home-based business regulations loosened

Zoning changes allow more ground-floor apartments

City faces projected $15 million deficit for 2027 budget

TOPEKA, Kan. - City finance staff presented a grim outlook for the fiscal 2027 budget, projecting a $15 million deficit if current spending trends continue without structural changes. Staff highlighted significant cost drivers, including a $5.3 million jump in health insurance claims over four years and rising inmate charges. Mayor Spencer Duncan warned the governing body that filling the gap would require "one or two big, tough decisions," noting that potential revenue increases alone would not suffice.

Pending state legislation could cap property tax revenue

TOPEKA, Kan. - Mayor Duncan briefed the council on legislation moving through the Legislature, specifically Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616, that could significantly impact the city's budgeting process. The legislation, if passed, would potentially cap property tax revenue increases at 3 percent, requiring a public vote or a petition process for any increase beyond that threshold. The mayor warned that this law could complicate efforts to close the projected $15 million deficit if it impacts the city's ability to finalize its October budget.

Public safety staffing freezes raise concerns about burnout

TOPEKA, Kan. - During budget discussions, city staff revealed that the 2026 budget already accounts for freezing 10 police officer positions and seven firefighter positions to manage costs. Council member Brett Kell expressed concern regarding these reductions, arguing that while redundancies should be eliminated, cutting frontline public safety staff could ultimately hurt the community. Discussion among city leaders also highlighted that leaving public safety positions unfilled could lead to excessive overtime and staff burnout, potentially increasing costs.

City considers sales tax initiative for fire stations and housing

TOPEKA, Kan. - As part of the strategy to address future funding gaps, finance staff presented policy considerations for a potential sales tax initiative. The proposal suggests a 0.25 percent tax to fund public safety needs and a fire station replacement program, alongside a 0.10 percent tax dedicated to affordable housing and homelessness initiatives. While no vote was taken, the timeline presented suggests the council would need to approve ballot language by July 2026 for a November election.

McGee sworn in as District 8 council member

TOPEKA, Kan. - Murray McGee was sworn in as the new representative for District 8, filling the vacancy on the governing body. After taking the oath of office administered by a municipal judge, McGee joined his colleagues on the dais to participate in the evening's votes. Council members welcomed McGee, who stated during announcements that he has begun the onboarding process and is impressed by the city staff's work.

Council sets hearing for Hotel Topeka tax district

TOPEKA, Kan. - The council unanimously approved a resolution to set a public hearing for March 10 regarding a proposed Community Improvement District for the Hotel Topeka property at 17th Street and Topeka Boulevard. If approved, the CID would levy an additional 2 percent sales tax on rooms and food and beverage sales at the hotel to fund approximately $6 million in renovations. Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley clarified that the district boundaries are drawn specifically to exclude the neighboring Stormont Vail Events Center.

Home-based business regulations loosened

TOPEKA, Kan. - The council voted unanimously to amend regulations concerning home occupations. The updated ordinance removes the requirement for a home occupation permit for businesses that do not have employees or customers visiting the residence. Planning and Development Director Dan Warner explained that the change addresses the evolution of work, ensuring that residents selling items online or working remotely are not burdened with unnecessary permitting.

Zoning changes allow more ground-floor apartments

TOPEKA, Kan. - The governing body approved amendments to the zoning code allowing multifamily residential units on the ground floor of buildings in certain commercial and mixed-use districts. The change applies to areas outside the immediate downtown core and North Topeka arts district, where street-level retail is still prioritized. Staff argued that requiring commercial space on the ground floor in other districts was often unnecessary and hindered housing density.

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