DISCUSSION with POSSIBLE ACTION of a CHARTER ORDINANCE introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, amending Charter Ordinances, as codified at Topeka Municipal Code Section A2-24 and Section A2-25, concerning the powers and duties of the mayor and governing body in relation to a City Auditor.

Voting Requirement: Action requires two-thirds vote (7) of the Governing Body, including the Mayor.

(Approval would be the first step in the process to place the charter ordinance on a March 2, 2027, mail in ballot. The electorate would then decide whether to change the administrative powers of the Mayor and Governing Body to allow a City Auditor to report directly to the Governing Body.)

Discussion with possible action. Action requires two-thirds vote (7) of the Governing Body, including the Mayor.

Whether to move the amendments forward to allow the electorate to decide on administrative powers of the Governing Body and Mayor to allow a City Auditor to report directly to the Governing Body.

Discussion with possible action. Staff recommends the Governing Body move to approve the Charter Ordinance.

The Citizens Government Review Committee, in their report dated June 17, 2025, recommended that the City implement an Auditor position. The Policy and Finance Committee reviewed the recommendation and discussed options at the April, May and July meetings. The current Charter does not allow for any administrative powers of the Governing Body. The Committee recommended the City Auditor position report directly to the Governing Body. In order to allow that without violating the Charter Ordinance, an amendment has been drafted for consideration. If this Charter Ordinance is approved, a subsequent Ordinance would need adopted to place the issue on a March 2, 2027, Special Election mail in ballot.

Special Election mail in ballot cost: Approximately $118,000

City Auditor Salary

General Fund