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Utility Rate Ordinance 2027-2030

At a glance

  • What: Ordinance 20684 establishes utility rates for water, wastewater, stormwater, fire line and refuse/recycle services for 2027-2030, phased in over four years for commercial and industrial customers.
  • Where it stands: Passed 8-2 on September 8, 2026. Utilities Director Davis and Deputy Director Nicole Malott presented; significant public comment and council debate.
  • Key provisions: Remove readiness-to-serve (base) charge; implement incremental increases in base and consumption charges across customer classes; phased approach for commercial/industrial.
  • Vote: 8-2 in favor (Christina Valdivia-Alcala and Michelle A. Bradberry voted no).

Analysis

The proposal balances infrastructure investment needs against impact on residents. City employees are equally impacted by rate increases. Staff presented as non-promise of universal satisfaction but demonstration of commitment to investing in Topeka's future infrastructure reliability, sustainability and affordability.

Director Davis noted ongoing collaboration continues regardless of outcome and water bills incorporate five different utilities: water, wastewater, stormwater, refuse and recycle. City is renegotiating contract to recoup billing costs for Shawnee County refuse and recycle collection.

Support and Opposition

In support:

  • Mayor Duncan: supported as presenting fair proposal with due diligence; would balance residential impact through standard volume rates phased over four years.
  • Councilmember Ortiz: supported, noting water bills' multi-utility structure and city's renegotiation efforts; praised staff due diligence in fair proposal.
  • Councilmember Kell: supported rate adjustments; clean drinking water is necessity; staff worked hard to minimize cost impact. Suggested forensic audits for all departments on 5-year rotation; proposed "inactive" meter policy.
  • Henry McClure (public comment): supported all customers paying same rate to prevent subsidies of corporate America.

In opposition:

  • Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala: spoke in opposition; called for forensic audit of Utilities Department; discussed wage stagnation and inflation context.
  • Councilmember Bradberry: voted no.
  • Danielle Twemlow (public comment): expressed concern about receiving conflicting information; questioned lack of clear information on where money is spent; opposed rates without understanding accountability and audit trail.

Implementation

Director Davis confirmed waterline replacement list available. Smart meter program expected to roll out by year-end (project began 2019, over 98% complete; five employees shifted to maintenance positions). First collections under new rates effective 2027.

Sources

Log

2026-09-08 - City Council

Ordinance 20684 passed 8-2 (Valdivia-Alcala and Bradberry voted no). Passed on roll call: Ayes: Karen A. Hiller, Sylvia E. Ortiz, David Banks, Brett D. Kell, Marcus D L Miller, Murray McGee, Michelle Hoferer and Mayor Spencer L. Duncan - 8. Noes: Christina Valdivia-Alcala and Michelle A. Bradberry - 2.