Topekans voice concerns over possible property tax hikes

TOPEKA (KSNT) - On Tuesday, the Topeka City Council heard from citizens who lined up to voice their concerns about the city raising property taxes.

The public hearing and resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate (RNR), the amount of tax money needed to cover city expenses, was introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert Perez.

One mill is equivalent to $1 per $1,000 in assessed value, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), the assessed value of a home is 11.5% of its appraised value. Properties are taxed based on 11.5% of the county-appraised value. The RNR the city voted to exceed was 35.341 mills.

For a $100,000 home, the assessed value would be $11,500. The amount of tax owed to the city of Topeka would be $406.42. The amount owed to the city does not include the up to 16 other taxing entities that could apply to a property. In 2023, the highest mill levy Shawnee County residents could've paid was 162.594 with 55.091 mills going to USD 437.

Earl McIntosh, a man who raised over 5,400 signatures to petition the city to hold public votes before raising property taxes, was in attendance. In public comments, McIntosh asked if Governor Laura Kelly would have a sit-down with the Topeka Mayor to discuss the property tax issue.

"Mortgage and rent payments have increased at alarming rates due to increased taxes and the rising cost of insurance," McIntosh said. "The cost of food has significantly increased, gas and electric bills have risen, our water bill is up, our auto and home repairs have also increased at the same time health insurance and medical care costs, more most people cannot afford their medical bills or pay a major auto or home repair. Our incomes have not kept up with inflation."

Another concerned citizen warned the council that raising taxes could fuel the local homeless problem.

"You could be potentially taxing them out of their home, please let that sink in," concerned citizen Lanell Griffith told the council.

The motion to exceed the RNR was made by Councilmember Brett Kell and seconded by Deputy Mayor Christina Valdivia-Alcala with all in favor.

In another hearing introduced by Perez, the city voted unanimously to exceed the Topeka Metro Transit Authority RNR of 4.017 mills with a proposed tax rate of 4.2 mills. Five concerned citizens addressed the council during the hearing to voice their concerns.

For a more detailed breakdown on how your property taxes are calculated, click here. To watch the full city council meeting, click here.

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