Topeka local news summary

Council greenlights tax incentive for ‘Sunflower Crossing’ development

Landlords and tenant advocates clash over proposed rental registration program

City considers harsher fines for noncompliant landlords

Topeka increases water bill assistance for eligible residents

County finances stable, but falling interest rates create revenue lag

Property tax bills mailed, payment due Dec. 22

Property tax remains county’s primary revenue source

Major county facility repairs completed, focus shifts to prevention

Council greenlights tax incentive for ‘Sunflower Crossing’ development

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Topeka City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Sunflower Crossing redevelopment near the northwest quadrant where Topeka Boulevard and Kansas Avenue meet in south Topeka. The ordinance designates the area as a “blighted district,” a required step for TIF, which will use future property-tax growth generated by the development to fund public-infrastructure improvements. Developer Jerry Roush of BHI Development, Inc. described the project as a new “gateway” to the city, featuring a QuikTrip, additional retail, restaurants and potential future housing. Roush said the development aims to attract traffic from the turnpike and help revitalize South Topeka Boulevard.

Landlords and tenant advocates clash over proposed rental registration program

TOPEKA, Kan. - A city proposal to create a rental registration program sparked a heated debate between landlords and tenant advocates at Tuesday’s council meeting. The non-action item, introduced by city staff, would require owners of non-owner-occupied properties to obtain a license to operate. Steve Vogel, president of the Shawnee County Landlords Association, argued that existing codes are sufficient if enforced and warned the measure could lead to tenant displacement. In support, tenant advocates and State Rep. Alexis Simmons urged the city to adopt a registry to help hold “slum lords” accountable and improve data on the rental market. The council took no action but is expected to refer the issue to a committee for further review.

City considers harsher fines for noncompliant landlords

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Topeka City Council is considering an ordinance amendment that would strengthen penalties for landlords of non-owner-occupied properties who violate city code. Chief Prosecutor Kelly Trussell said the proposal would remove a prosecutor’s discretion to dismiss a case without fines, even if the landlord eventually brings the property into compliance. Trussell said the goal is to motivate faster fixes before cases reach prosecution, with an emphasis on repeat offenders who delay repairs while collecting rent. The council will review the proposed amendment at a future date.

Topeka increases water bill assistance for eligible residents

TOPEKA, Kan. - City Manager Robert Perez announced Tuesday that Topeka is increasing its water assistance program to provide more relief for residents facing financial hardship. The annual cap for assistance will be raised from $300 to $400 per eligible household. Perez said the enhancement is funded within the existing program budget and responds to community challenges. The city also announced that the Topeka Fire Department will collect donations for the United Way of Kaw Valley this weekend to combat food insecurity.

County finances stable, but falling interest rates create revenue lag

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Shawnee County’s finances are largely on track with its 2025 budget, though revenues from interest are coming in slower than last year, Audit-Finance Director Jennifer Sauer reported at the Board of County Commissioners meeting Thursday. The “other revenues” category, heavily influenced by interest income, has collected only 67 percent of its annual budget, compared to 85 percent at this time last year. Sauer attributed the lag to dropping interest rates and noted that while the county will likely end the year slightly under budget in that category, the shortfall is not expected to be drastic.

Property tax bills mailed, payment due Dec. 22

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Property tax statements for Shawnee County residents are being mailed next week, and payment is due by Monday, Dec. 22, County Treasurer Susan Duffy announced Thursday. The deadline is extended from the usual Dec. 20 date, which falls on a Saturday this year. Duffy encouraged residents to pay online at ikan.ks.gov to avoid extra fees charged by unauthorized third-party websites. Payments can also be made by mail or at the county’s dropbox. Duffy also reported that her office is still actively collecting delinquent taxes, noting a single payment of $2.2 million was recently received.

Property tax remains county’s primary revenue source

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Property taxes continue to be the dominant source of revenue for Shawnee County, now making up 80 percent of the county’s total budgeted income, according to a financial report presented Thursday. This marks an increase from previous years when higher interest rates boosted the “other revenues” category. Audit-Finance Director Jennifer Sauer explained that as interest rates decline, the county relies more heavily on property taxes unless other revenue streams grow. The county has collected 99 percent of its budgeted property tax revenue for the year.

Major county facility repairs completed, focus shifts to prevention

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — After a busy four months of repairs, the county’s Facilities Management department is shifting its focus from reactive fixes to preventative maintenance, the county’s facilities management director told commissioners Thursday. The director reported the successful completion of several major projects, including the courthouse roof replacement, an overhaul of the HVAC system at the Maner Conference Center and security door upgrades at the courthouse. With the custodial team now fully staffed, the priority is addressing long-standing infrastructure issues to ensure county buildings operate more efficiently and cost‑effectively in the future.

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