Topeka city council urges tax entities to keep rates low

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka city council unanimously passed a resolution to urge all local tax entities to keep property tax rates as low as possible for homeowners and renters.

The resolution was brought by district 8 city councilman Spencer Duncan last month after the council chose to ignore a tax petition brought by Earl McIntosh. McIntosh is now suing the city over that decision.

The Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority (TMTA) is one of several entities that influence property taxes in Shawnee County.

Rod Miller, a TMTA board member, presented at the council meeting to explain why their operating costs are forcing them to raise their tax rates above the minimum.

"Fuel costs are higher also this year along with health insurance," Miller said. "I can give you almost any number of reasons why we're going to be over that, just because inflation is inflation."

It remains to be seen which of the other entities, if any, will also raise rates above the state-defined revenue neutral rate. Other entities include:

• State of Kansas
• City of Topeka
• Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
• Washburn University
• Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority
• Public Schools

As for the the tax petition, the city has until Sep. 3 to respond to McIntosh's lawsuit.