ORDINANCE introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, establishing utility rates for 2027 through 2030, amending Topeka Municipal Code Sections 13.05.20 through 13.05.060 and repealing original sections.

Voting Requirement: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the Governing Body. 

(Approval will establish adequate Utility Rates and serve as the foundation for future Operating and Capital budgets.)

Action requires at least six (6) votes of the Governing Body. 

Establishment of Utility Rates beyond 2026. 

Staff recommends the Governing Body move to approve the ordinance to set utility rates for 2027-2030. 

Ordinance 20416, approved in 2023, established Utility rates for 2024, 2025 and 2026. Future rates need to be addressed in 2026 to ensure customers have time to provide input and businesses have sufficient time to budget for 2027 and beyond.

Utilities held four public meetings to present and receive community feedback. The Governing Body discussed proposed utility rates on June 2, 9 and 16, 2026.; July 14 and 21, 2026; and August 11, 2026.  As a result of the feedback received from the community and the Governing Body, Staff is proposing a Utility rates ordinance for 2027-2030, removing Base Charges for water and wastewater on inactive properties and gradual elimination of customer class toward one standard volume rate. Additionally, Industrial rates were modified slightly to give our largest users more time to budget for the significant increases.  The industrial modification was completed by adjusting capital timing, and had no impact on the proposed residential rates. 

Establishing adequate Utility Rates will serve as the foundation for future Operating and Capital budgets. 

Water, Stormwater and Wastewater Rates