The Topeka City Council does not meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Instead, Mayor Mike Padilla and City Manager Dr. Robert Perez hold a monthly press conference. Here’s a recap of the key discussions from Tuesday’s session.
Budget Update
The budget was the first topic of discussion. Mayor Padilla and City Manager Perez emphasized the city’s in-depth review process, which involves city staff and council members. They acknowledged the necessity of this review before proposing a sales tax increase to residents.
Key points:
- A hiring freeze has been implemented for the remainder of the year. This does not eliminate occupied positions but allows for an evaluation of vacant roles to determine efficiency improvements.
- The city manager is considering restructuring the city’s debt to provide financial relief.
- The city’s priority is selling the hotel, with six bids currently under review and a deal expected by the end of June.
Budget Projections:
- The 2025 budget is set.
- The projected deficit for 2026 is $17 million and $21 million for 2027.
- A balanced budget must be submitted to the state by September 30.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Councilman Spencer Duncan provided a timeline for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund:
- March: Council will approve technical changes to the ordinance.
- April: Council will appoint members to the review board. While it is intended as a community-driven board, many initial appointees may be city employees.
- May: The board will begin operations.
This initiative stems from the 2019 Housing Study and has been strongly supported by advocacy group Topeka JUMP.
Additional Housing Efforts:
- Mayor Padilla highlighted progress toward a “One-Stop-Shop” approach to housing, with SENT and Topeka Rescue Mission serving as model organizations.
- The city is collaborating with “All Hands On Deck,” a housing initiative led by former Rescue Mission director Barry Feaker and Brett Martin of United Way.
- “Built for Zero” was mentioned as a national program with proven success in reducing homelessness, though no specifics were provided on its implementation in Topeka.
Legislation Updates
HB 2164 – Lowering Police Officer Certification Age
- The Kansas Senate received HB 2164, which would allow individuals aged 20 or older to apply for police certification.
- City officials claim the change will improve recruitment, but concerns remain about the maturity level of 20-year-olds handling firearms and making arrests.
- No data was presented to support claims that this change would boost retention.
- The Senate Judiciary Committee has not yet scheduled a discussion on this bill.
HB 2099 – Rental Inspections for Government-Subsidized Housing
- This bill would allow periodic inspections of rental properties that receive federal subsidies.
- The measure aims to curb slumlord practices, though its impact is limited as major offenders like Lew McGinnis do not accept federal housing stipends.
- A hearing in the Senate Committee on Local Government, Transparency, and Ethics is scheduled for March 4 at 9:30 AM in Room 142-S.
HB 2343 – No-Impact Home-Based Business Fairness Act
- This bill limits municipal regulatory authority over home-based businesses.
- Councilman Duncan warned that it could lead to unregulated businesses, such as at-home daycare facilities or fireworks sales without fire code inspections.
- He encouraged residents to contact their representatives to discuss concerns.
Legislative Schedule:
- Sine Die Day (first adjournment): March 28, 2025.
- Legislative recess: March 29 – April 9, 2025.
- Veto session: April 10 – April 12, 2025.
- This session is shorter than usual, typically running through early May.
Mayor’s Announcement
Mayor Mike Padilla announced that he will not seek re-election.
Following this, Councilman Spencer Duncan declared his candidacy for mayor on Wednesday morning.
Additional City Updates
Pothole Repairs
- Repairs have begun, but due to wet ground conditions, the city is using a temporary cold-mix material.
- Permanent repairs with hot-mix asphalt will start in April when asphalt plants reopen.
Citizen’s Government Review Board
- This board, which reviews city government functions every ten years, is seeking public input.
- The board’s recommendations are advisory but carry significant weight if widely supported by residents.
- More information can be found on the city’s website.
Recap by: Danielle Twemlow, Consultant
Host of Kansas TRUE podcast
