Topeka Kansas City Council Meeting – September 9, 2026

The Topeka Governing Body met on September 9, 2026, to discuss and act on a range of items including utility rate adjustments, the FY2027 budget, a housing study update, fire station relocation plans, and public comments on school resource officers and budget priorities. The meeting included presentations, public hearings, and council deliberations, with several votes taken.

Consent Calendar

• Reappointment of Candace Styles to the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Board for a term ending September 13, 2023, was approved 8–0 (one absent).
• Approval of the September 1, 2026 regular meeting minutes was approved unanimously (10–0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Utility Rate Increase (5A): Henry McClure urged the council to end what he called "corporate welfare" by charging large commercial and industrial users higher rates, arguing that residential customers subsidize corporations. Danielle Twemlow called for a forensic audit, citing inconsistent data on water main replacements and questioning the city's ability to account for past spending.
• FY2027 Budget Public Hearing (5B): Multiple speakers supported retaining School Resource Officers (SROs) in Topeka Public Schools. Andrea Palmer, Jordan Seckman, Kelly Hoffman, two middle school students, Dr. Tiffany Anderson (Superintendent of TPS), Amy Wagner (principal), and others shared personal stories and data showing SROs prevent crime and build trust. Paul Byrne argued for higher taxes to avoid cuts to police and fire services. Amy Gillette warned against relying on data centers for property tax relief, citing studies showing weak homeowner benefits. Danielle Twemlow again emphasized the need for a forensic audit and questioned the effectiveness of development incentives.
• Utility Lien Ordinance (Non-action B): Danielle Twemlow noted that some residents on the lien list had not received notifications and questioned billing efficiency, suggesting better use of smart meter technology.

Discussion Items

• Communications Overview: Dan Garrett, Director of Communications, presented the department's mission, staffing (5 full-time, 1 part-time), and achievements including a new website, body camera policy, podcast, and video series. The department issued 35 press releases, handled 115+ media inquiries, and produced 30 videos in the past year. Councilmembers praised transparency but Councilmember Valdivia Alcala raised concerns about notification during crises (e.g., the Coach Light fire) and requested follow-up on text alerts.
• Housing Study Update: Justin Carney of Development Strategies reported a 20-year demand for 4,220 housing units (210/year) across all affordability levels, down from 10,000 in 2019 due to population decline and multifamily deliveries. He presented a vacant parcel analysis identifying 2,700 suitable parcels for infill. Councilmembers questioned affordability, the role of rental registry/licensure, and the need to address vacant buildings. Councilmember Hiller argued that the 4,220-unit goal should account for rehabilitating existing vacant structures.
• FY2027 Budget Discussion (Non-action A): Councilmember Hiller proposed an amendment package cutting $2 million in operating costs and shifting capital projects to cash financing (e.g., sidewalks, fleet replacement, fire stations) to reduce bonding. The plan would fund a cash capital fund and separate a 1/10-cent sales tax for fire stations and affordable housing. City Manager questioned the feasibility, noting the proposed cuts remove $43 million from CIP to generate only $1 million in cash. Councilmembers expressed mixed views; some wanted more detail before voting on September 15.
• Utility Lien Ordinance (Non-action B): Nicole Mullat explained the annual process: 169 letters sent, 138 accounts still unpaid ($123,000 owed), with most outside city limits. Councilmember Kell noted the process is effective, and Councilmember Ortiz clarified that payment plans can remove properties from the lien list. Discussion also touched on the AMI smart meter system and its underutilized online portal.
• Fire Station Relocation Plan (Non-action C): Fire Chief presented a three-phase plan to build new stations at 6th & Governor's Place (Station 13), Lyman & N. Topeka Blvd (Station 11), and Billard Airport (Station 6), costing $24–36 million. The goal is to increase four-minute response coverage from 75% of households to a higher percentage. Existing stations would be repurposed for police, fire investigation, and storage. Councilmembers debated location choices, population density, and the need for a citizen review committee. Mayor Duncan announced formation of such a committee with appointments from each council district.

Key Outcomes

• Utility Rate Ordinance (5A): Approved 8–2. Councilmembers Valdivia Alcala and Bradbury voted no. The ordinance removes the readiness-to-serve charge, implements incremental increases for residential and commercial customers, and phases in charges for industrial users over four years.
• Budget Public Hearing (5B): Hearing concluded. The council will vote on the FY2027 budget at the September 15 meeting.
• Fire Station Plan (Non-action C): No vote taken. Council directed staff to proceed with high-level estimating for Station 13 and to establish a citizen review committee to examine the plan, with appointments to be named by council members. The goal is to have recommendations by early 2027.