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Topeka – Week of July 12 2025

Solid Waste User Fees; Tax Rate Amended; Homelessness Pilot Launched; Public Works Success; Weed Department Strain

Greg Loving

12 Jul 2025 • 4 min read

Solid Waste Department Operates on User Fees, Not Taxes

City Council Amends Tax Rate Proposal After Debate

New "One-Stop Shop" Pilot to Combat Homelessness Launches

Public Works Reports Success in Filling Vacancies, Outlines Major Road Projects

County Weed Director Details Financial Strain of Mandated Herbicide Program

Solid Waste Department Operates on User Fees, Not Taxes

The Shawnee County Solid Waste Department is a self-sustaining entity that operates without the use of tax dollars, Director Bill Sutton reminded commissioners. The department is 100% funded by user fees from its growing customer base, which is projected to generate $19.8 million in revenue for the current year. For its 2026 budget, the department requested $18,982,615, a 10.6% increase over the previous year. Major drivers of the increase include contractual services, wage increases, and a capital plan that involves purchasing two rear-loading trucks, three front-loading trucks, two roll-off trucks, and a new service vehicle.

City Council Amends Tax Rate Proposal After Debate

In a notable move, the Topeka City Council amended a resolution concerning the city's 2026 budget and potential tax rate. The initial resolution proposed notifying the county of a potential maximum mill levy of 37.956, a number higher than the current rate. City Manager Robert Perez clarified that the budget currently in development assumes a flat mill rate. Citing concerns that sending a higher number to the county would create confusion for the public, Councilman Duncan introduced a motion to amend the resolution, lowering the maximum proposed rate to the city's current mill levy of 36.956. The amendment prompted a split vote, passing 8-1 with Council member Marcus Miller voting against it. Following the amendment, the revised resolution passed with a unanimous vote.

New "One-Stop Shop" Pilot to Combat Homelessness Launches

Community leaders presented an update on the "All Hands On Deck" campaign to end chronic homelessness, highlighting the launch of a new pilot program. A one-stop homeless resource center officially began a trial run at the Let's Help organization's facility on July 8, 2025, and is scheduled to operate through October 31. The center consolidates services such as mental health, employment and housing assistance, and basic needs like showers and food. The pilot's first day was described as a success, with one individual who had struggled for months finally completing an intake process. Officials noted that for the pilot to become permanent at the location, resources for indoor showers and transportation for individuals with pets will be needed.

Public Works Reports Success in Filling Vacancies, Outlines Major Road Projects

Shawnee County's Public Works department has seen a dramatic improvement in staffing, Director Curtin Niehaus reported during his budget presentation. A year ago, the department had 15 vacancies in its field offices; that number is now down to five. This success was largely attributed to a new CDL training program that has attracted seven trainees and other qualified applicants. Niehaus also outlined the county's capital improvement plan, which includes ongoing work on Auburn Road and future projects on Southeast 45th Street, a key connector road. The department also plans to purchase a new paint truck for $435,000 to ensure safety markings can be applied promptly after roadwork is completed.

County Weed Director Details Financial Strain of Mandated Herbicide Program

The Shawnee County Weed Department is facing a significant financial challenge due to state mandates and volatile chemical prices, Director John Landon explained to the commission. By law, the county must offer certain state-approved herbicides to the public at a 25% cost-share discount. However, recent price hikes for common chemicals have pushed the county's cost well past a break-even point, causing a financial loss on every container sold under the program. For example, a container of Glyphosate purchased in July now results in a loss of over $4,000 for the same quantity sold year-to-date, compared to a loss of about $1,300 at earlier prices. The issue is further complicated by the upcoming addition of five new noxious weeds, including bush honeysuckle, with unknown but potentially expensive approved control methods. This led to a discussion about the difficulty of budgeting revenues, with commissioners advising the director he had two days to amend his budget request if needed.

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