The City of Topeka will be extending the moratorium on water shut-offs until May 31st. Customers must work in conjunction with the Utilities Department to develop a payment plan five days prior to their payment due date.
City Express at 620 SE Madison will remain temporarily closed. The Customer Service Call Center is open between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is available to work with customers to help keep their balances due manageable during this time. Customers who need to pay their water bill in cash can do so at authorized US Bank locations at the drive through window. Bills can also be paid by phone at 785-368-3111 or online at www.topeka.org/payonline.
US BANK LOCATIONS IN TOPEKA
Fleming Place 1017 SW Gage Blvd Wanamaker 1064 SW Wanamaker Rd. White Lakes 3600 SW Topeka Blvd. Pioneer Square 3625 NW 46th St. 5th & Jackson 434 SW Jackson St. 21st Street 5730 SW 21st St.
Please note that payments made through unauthorized locations may require a fee and take longer to process.
Doorstep, Let’s Help, the Salvation Army and the City of Topeka created the Water Share Program to assist citizens in need with their COT water utility bill. Please contact one of the agencies directly to request assistance.
• Doorstep 785-357-5341
• Let’s Help 785-234-6208
• Salvation Army 785-233-9648
The Utilities Refund Program (Franchise Fee Program) also offers assistance for utility bills. Please contact the Community Resources Council to apply 785-233-1365 after the program resumes taking applications on May 4th. For citizens looking for a way to help, you may go to www.topeka.org/utilities/watershare or call 785-368-3111. Donations may be set up as reoccurring monthly or you may select to make a one-time donation. The donation amount will be added to your next City of Topeka water bill.
The City of Topeka will postpone a 3% pay reduction for all City of Topeka Staff and reconsider a potential pay reduction in June when actual sales tax receipts for March and April will be available. After a review of the sales tax receipts along with other revenue collections to date, in consultation with the Governing Body, a determination will be made as to whether salary reductions, or other decisions that may impact personnel, will need to be implemented in order to balance the budget by the end of the year. The earliest implementation of salary reductions would be reflected in the July 3rd paycheck. The Governing Body and City Manager will be taking a 6% salary reduction starting with the pay period that begins on May 2nd.
Governing Body members have expressed interest in City Manager Trout exploring the use of additional general fund cash reserves to cover expected savings that would have been achieved from the salary reductions being implemented sooner. Using general fund cash reserves for the next two months will provide the City with the time needed to review actual receipts related to sales tax revenue to guide the estimates of projected losses prior to adjusting personnel cost. Once the sales tax revenue information is reviewed, the city will determine the budgetary impact from the first four months of the year.
The City Manager will continue to explore potential savings in personnel costs through discussions with union leadership, City administration and the Governing Body. No across the board wage reductions will be effective in the next sixty days.
“I am looking at all possible options to reduce spending and offset revenue losses,” said City Manager Brent Trout. “I am continuing to work with the Governing Body and staff to find the best way to balance the budget while keeping the impact to services and staff at a minimum.”
It is still expected that the City of Topeka will experience a loss in revenue from the recent stay at home orders and appropriate steps are being taken to prepare for that loss. City staff has identified approximately $3.2 million of operational changes in the General Fund operating budget that will be implemented for 2020. In addition, it is anticipated that a minimum of $2 million in reserves will be used to offset the anticipated reduction in revenues. Similar changes will also be evaluated and implemented to utility and enterprise funds.
Topeka Collegiate has selected the Topeka Zoo as a recipient of the Collegiate Cares COVID-19 Grant. These grants are available thanks to the generosity of the Kokari Foundation.
“We’re pleased to support the Topeka Zoo’s online outreach to children and families,” said Dr. Lyn Rantz, Head of School. “Their virtual classes are a great resource – we’re thankful they are sharing the Zoo with all of us online.”
“Our environmental education programming is core to our mission,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “I was amazed by how quickly our education team was able to adapt and begin offering this virtual programming that is aligned with state education standards. We truly appreciate this partnership made possible by Topeka Collegiate and the Kokari Foundation.”
The $1,500 grant award offsets associated costs with the programming and continues the programming through the end of the school year. The programs can be viewed live through the Topeka Zoo’s Facebook page Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM. Programs alternate daily progressing through grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Previous programs can be viewed on the Topeka Zoo’s Education Resource Website: https://topekazoo.org/explore/zooeducationresources/.
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As the only independent college preparatory school in the region, Topeka Collegiate’s mission is to prepare students for advanced education, successful careers and responsible citizenship through a commitment to academic excellence and humanitarian ideals. To learn more, visit www.topekacollegiate.org.
The City of Topeka will be extending the moratorium on water shut-offs until May 15th. Customers must work in conjunction with the Utilities Department to develop a payment plan five days prior to their payment due date.
City Express at 620 SE Madison will remain temporarily closed. The Customer Service Call Center is open between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is available to work with customers to help keep their balances due manageable during this time. Customers who need to pay their water bill in cash can do so at authorized US Bank locations at the drive through window. Bills can also be paid by phone at 785-368-3111 or online at www.topeka.org/payonline.
US BANK LOCATIONS IN TOPEKA
Fleming Place 1017 SW Gage Blvd Wanamaker 1064 SW Wanamaker Rd. White Lakes 3600 SW Topeka Blvd. Pioneer Square 3625 NW 46th St. 5th & Jackson 434 SW Jackson St. 21st Street 5730 SW 21st St.
Please note that payments made through unauthorized locations may require a fee and take longer to process.
Doorstep, Let’s Help, the Salvation Army and the City of Topeka created the Water Share Program to assist citizens in need with their COT water utility bill. Please contact one of the agencies directly to request assistance.
- Doorstep 785-357-5341
- Let’s Help 785-234-6208
- Salvation Army 785-233-9648
The Utilities Refund Program (Franchise Fee Program) also offers assistance for utility bills. Please contact the Community Resources Council to apply 785-233-1365 after the program resumes taking applications on May 4th. For citizens looking for a way to help, you may go to www.topeka.org/utilities/watershare or call 785-368-3111. Donations may be set up as reoccurring monthly or you may select to make a one-time donation. The donation amount will be added to your next City of Topeka water bill.
Lena, a 38 year old Bornean orangutan, passed away at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center yesterday. She became ill last Wednesday. With her condition not improving, zoo staff planned to do a full medical workup on Lena on Monday. At about 10:30 and under anesthesia, she was transported to the zoo’s animal hospital. While the zoo’s medical team was taking radiographs, Lena went into cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Lena was born at the Buffalo Zoo on April 2, 1982. She came to the Topeka Zoo from the Columbus Zoo in 2005. It was at the Topeka Zoo where she really flourished. She enjoyed interacting with people. If you were ever at the Zoo and had a kiss blown to you by an orangutan, that was Lena.
“Lena had a way of working her way right into your heart,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. Cris Sandberg, one of Lena’s Zoo Keepers, said, “She was special. I will always remember the love she had for the people she knew and her afternoon need for back scratches.”
A necropsy performed on Lena showed that she had an abnormal left kidney. “At the moment, it is not obvious as to the cause of death,” said Staff Veterinarian Shirley Llizo. Dr. Llizo has submitted for blood testing and histopathology to better understand the illness that led to Lena’s demise.
“Social distancing has made it more challenging for staff to grieve for the loss of Lena,” said Wiley. “In these uncertain times, we could not be more proud of our team and the care they offered Lena. She will be missed.”
Kay Reece, a Topeka Zoo Docent shared this, “Lena was a spirit animal. She loved her time outside watching from her barrel as visitors and friends came to see her. Lena remembered her friends and was always interested in what they had to share with her, whether pocket contents or bubbles, pictures or a kiss. Her instinct for learning and love for friends will be something I will never forget. Where a beautiful soul has lived; beautiful memories remain.”
Current forecasts indicate that the City will experience significant revenue shortfalls due to COVID-19, and we should expect to see the effects of COVID-19 on the economy for the rest of the year. The city’s most economically sensitive revenue sources are under extreme pressure. Sales tax make up, on average, 32% of the general fund’s revenue. The city receives approximately 57.5% of our sales tax from retail and another 11.4% from accommodation and food services. The expectation is that sales tax receipts will reflect the significant pressure these two industries are currently under. Good fiscal management from the Governing Body, staff and the buildup of reserves over the last six years allows the city to be in a better position to address the financial issue at hand.
This type of loss in one budget year is substantial and cannot be made up with minor changes in the budget. It will require major changes in expenses. A three pronged approach will be used to reduce expenses including the use of reserves, non-personnel and operational changes and personnel spending reductions. Non-personnel spending will be reduced or eliminated in areas such as education and dues, capital purchases in the general fund, demolition funding, office supplies, and other areas that are still being reviewed.
The current revenue forecast requires a response and a 3% salary reduction is being implemented for management and executive staff. The city is asking union employees to make the same 3% salary reduction. A hiring freeze has also been instituted unless there is a critical or citywide operational need for the position.
“The City of Topeka has engaged in sound financial management, which has given us the ability to manage decreases in revenue during this pandemic while still keeping essential services going,” said City Manager Brent Trout. “I appreciate the sacrifices made by staff and appreciate everyone’s understanding during this difficult time.”
The financial situation of the city during the COVID-19 process is fluid and will require constant monitoring of revenues and expenses to ensure that adjustments are made throughout the year. The City of Topeka is committed to providing essential services for our citizens every day, while at the same time remaining fiscally responsible during this crisis.
Effective Tuesday April 14th, the City of Topeka will limit parking in all public garages to monthly card holders only. This decision is based on the currently limited hourly usage and to support increased security measures for monthly card holders who are still using the garage services during this time of reduced traffic in the garages. During this time of reduced occupancy, staff will be focused on increased garage maintenance efforts, including cleaning the garages and lighting repairs.
In the City’s continuing effort to support customers who may be experiences financial hardships due to the COVID-19 situation the City will extend the monthly lease fee and enforcement suspension though the month of May. The City will continue to assessing the parking situation on a month-by-month basis and alert the public when fees and enforcement will be reinstated.
Enforcement of on-street parking regulations will continue to be suspended, with exception of Americans with Disabilities (ADA) violations, reserved spaces, construction work area, and public safety-related violations. At this time, enforcement officers will continue to patrol the downtown area, but will not be issuing tickets except for the violations specified above.
Currently in Effect:
- Non-payment for on-street parking meters will not be subject to citation
- Enforcement of on-street parking in time-restricted locations is suspended
- Enforcement will still be in effect in all public parking garages, off-street parking lots, reserved spaces, construction work areas, and spaces reserved for ADA parking and fire and emergency vehicle access
- If you are parking in a designated ADA parking space, please remember display your ADA placards or plates
- Parking Garage access is restricted in all public garages to monthly card holders only.
Please go to the City of Topeka website for more information on COVID-19 related policies enacted by city departments: https://www.topeka.org/news/category/press-releases/
The United Way of Greater Topeka has been awarded the bid to administer the City of Topeka’s Social Service Grant Program for 2021. Approximately $435,000 in Social Service Grant Funds will be administered by the United Way of Greater Topeka to eligible applicants which include agencies providing services in the following areas:
•Senior Citizen neighborhood-based programming to include meals, activities & transportation
•Medical assistance for low-income individuals
•Programs for at-risk youth
•Emergency housing & utility assistance
•Neighborhood and independent living based services for persons with severe & persistent mental illness
•Support services for residents whom are non-English speaking
United Way of Greater Topeka brings together people, companies and nonprofits to create positive sustainable change in our community by connecting individuals and families to maximize their potential. The United Way of Greater Topeka works to achieve positive sustainable change through education, financial stability and health for everyone in our community.
“The City of Topeka is thrilled to have United Way of Greater Topeka as our partner to administer our Social Service Grant program,” said Topeka City Manager Brent Trout. “We couldn’t ask for more experience or commitment than UWGT’s eight decades of improving lives in the Topeka community.”
“United Way is honored to extend its grant management services to the City of Topeka Social Service Grant Program” said Jessica Lehnherr, Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Topeka. “Since we already use the same online platform, the transition should be virtually seamless for organizations applying for grants. We look forward to this new partnership with the City of Topeka.”
Social Service Grant applications will open in late April. The applications will be available on the City of Topeka and United Way of Greater Topeka websites.
The City of Topeka Utilities Department routinely responds to sanitary sewer overflows, but wants to help residents in preventing them. The department is asking residents to be cautious of what they flush down their sewer systems as they have seen a rise in the marketing of “flushable” products in response to toilet paper shortages. Products like sanitary wipes, facial tissue and paper towels, do not dissolve in the sewer system and combine with fats, oils, and grease which can lead to blockages in sewer pipes.
The only product recommended by the Utilities Department to be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper. If you are unable to buy toilet paper during this time and must use an alternative sanitary product, please throw it in the trash when you are finished.
Blockages in the sanitary sewer system cause damage to the infrastructure, may cause sewer overflows which harm the environment, and lead to expensive repairs for the City. These products may cause blockages and service related problems in private sewer lines which may require expensive repairs for property owners.
The City of Topeka has created a COVID-19 website to provide information for businesses and the public. https://data.topeka.org/pages/covid19information provides a list of city phone numbers, locations of US Bank locations where people can pay their water bills and a link for businesses to report hours and closures.
A business survey link is available for local businesses to report hours of operation. The City of Topeka asks for businesses to complete this survey to help identify critical infrastructure services. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/7e1deddaf0fa4847bf5f6f9bfb7c19c5?
Critical Infrastructure includes:
- Chemical
- Communications and Information Technology
- Critical Manufacturing
- Defense Industrial Base
- Energy
- Financial Services
- Food and Agriculture
- Hazardous Materials
- Healthcare/Public Health
- Law Enforcement, Public Safety, First Responders
- Other Community-Based Government Operations and Essential Functions
- Public Works
- Transportation and Logistics
- Water and Wastewater