> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Topeka Mayor & City Manager Monthly Press Conference Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/topeka-mayor-city-manager-monthly-press-conference-summary-9/ - Published: 2026-10-29T12:47:51.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-29T12:47:51.000Z - Description: Week of October 29, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: Topeka, #summary, dnn # Mayor condemns anonymous online harassment of city employees # Mayor defends separation agreement for former city manager # Deputy city manager position to remain vacant following upcoming retirement # Interim city manager begins tenure in Topeka # Voters to decide on city auditor reporting structure in March ballot # March mail-in ballot to feature proposed sales tax for housing # Proposed sales tax expected to generate $4 million annually for local programs # Mayor expresses disappointment over Shawnee County data center petitions --- ### Mayor condemns anonymous online harassment of city employees TOPEKA, Kan. — Mayor Spencer Duncan opened an Oct. 28 press conference by addressing his recent comments regarding anonymous online behavior, reiterating that using hidden identities to bully, body-shame or spread falsehoods is unacceptable. Noting that much of the harassment is directed at city employees, city council members and random residents rather than himself, Duncan described the behavior as cowardly and detrimental to honest debate. He emphasized that while criticism and tough questions are welcome, personal attacks and damaging lies must be challenged to ensure basic decency and accountability in Topeka. --- ### Mayor defends separation agreement for former city manager TOPEKA, Kan. — Addressing rumors surrounding the recent departure of former city manager Robert Perez, Mayor Spencer Duncan stated that Perez resigned and was not terminated. Duncan defended the unanimously approved separation agreement, stating that the working relationship had simply run its course after nearly three years. He pushed back against assumptions of scandal or hidden agendas, explaining that Perez received compensation owed under existing benefits along with additional funds negotiated by the governing body, which Duncan argued is a fair and professional conclusion to Perez's service to Topeka. --- ### Deputy city manager position to remain vacant following upcoming retirement TOPEKA, Kan. — In light of the upcoming retirement of Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley, the city announced it will not fill the second executive position. Instead, Assistant City Manager Avery Moore will continue to serve the office in a deputy capacity. Mayor Spencer Duncan noted that leaving the position vacant, combined with the natural savings of employing an interim city manager, will reduce office costs enough to offset the financial impact of former city manager Robert Perez's separation agreement. --- ### Interim city manager begins tenure in Topeka TOPEKA, Kan. — Interim City Manager Michael Webb officially began his duties this week, bringing 35 years of local government experience to the role. Webb's background includes municipal management roles in Mesa, Arizona, and Edwardsville, Kansas. He stated his primary goal is to establish a solid foundation for the next permanent city manager. Mayor Spencer Duncan praised the existing department heads and noted that Webb steps into a stable environment focused on continued improvement rather than emergency management. --- ### Voters to decide on city auditor reporting structure in March ballot TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka residents will vote on a proposed change to the city charter during a March mail-in ballot that would allow a newly created city auditor position to report directly to the city council. Mayor Spencer Duncan explained that the change is necessary to ensure the auditor remains independent and objective when examining municipal operations and resources. Currently, the city charter places the city manager in charge of all city employees, but officials argue that direct reporting to elected officials will provide stronger oversight and accountability for taxpayers. --- ### March mail-in ballot to feature proposed sales tax for housing TOPEKA, Kan. — A proposed 0.1 percent sales tax — equivalent to 10 cents on a $100 purchase — will appear on Topeka's March 2027 mail-in ballot to fund affordable housing and homelessness initiatives. If approved by voters, the tax would take effect on July 1, 2027, and would be subject to a 10-year sunset clause requiring reapproval. Mayor Spencer Duncan emphasized that the decision rests entirely with the voters, framing the ballot measure as an opportunity for the public to choose how to address ongoing housing challenges in the city. --- ### Proposed sales tax expected to generate $4 million annually for local programs TOPEKA, Kan. — Officials estimate that the proposed 0.1 percent sales tax on the upcoming March 2027 ballot would generate approximately $4 million annually for the city. Under the ballot language, at least 50 percent of the revenue would be allocated to the city's housing trust fund, while the remainder would support homelessness initiatives such as local participation in the national Built for Zero movement and the HUD-funded Shelter Plus Care program. The proposal originated from community groups and a community review board, which aims to secure a reliable revenue stream for housing construction and support services. --- ### Mayor expresses disappointment over Shawnee County data center petitions TOPEKA, Kan. — Mayor Spencer Duncan voiced disappointment regarding recent petitions filed with the Shawnee County Commission aiming to restrict data centers and related water and annexation policies. Noting his assertion that three of the four petitioners are not Topeka residents, Duncan criticized the lack of prior communication, given the city's proactive steps — which include a moratorium on data centers and newly established sustainability standards. While acknowledging the legal right to petition, Duncan warned against permanently shutting the door on future technological developments and emphasized that city policies should be determined by the citizens of Topeka. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/tcj-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) [Click here for local jail logs](https://cjus.me/tcj-jail?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)