City officials hear varying opinions about streets, sales tax

In the circles in which Shanae Holman runs, people feel disillusioned with the lack of progress Topeka's city government has made toward fixing up its streets since a citywide, half-cent sales tax took effect in 2009.

The self-described single mother who works 55 hours a week said Monday evening the city could boost support in those circles for renewing the tax if it "got creative." Holman suggested devoting perhaps $1 million of the tax's $14 million in annual income toward providing safe and affordable housing instead of putting all of it toward streets.

She was among 10 members of the public who spoke at a 90-minute town hall meeting at Topeka police headquarters to share information and seek input regarding a proposed extension and potential increase in the tax.

Eighteen members of the public attended, said Molly Hadfield, media relations coordinator for the city.

Mayor Michelle De La Isla, Deputy Mayor and City Councilman Brendan Jensen and Councilmen Jeff Coen and Michael Lesser listened as speakers shared opinions both for and against the tax, with some expressing frustrations or sharing ideas without necessarily taking a side. City manager Brent Trout and public works director Jason Peak also took part.

Jensen said all Thursday's comments would be distilled into a presentation he would make to the city's governing body as it prepares to discuss its goals regarding the city's streets and infrastructure over the next 10 years.

That body has been discussing scheduling a citywide Nov. 6 ballot question election on whether to extend and perhaps increase the 10-year tax, which took effect in 2009 after voters approved a ballot question saying revenue may be used only to cover costs of maintenance and improvements of existing streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, alleys and street lighting.

The governing body has been talking about asking voters to approve increasing the tax from one-half cent to three-quarters of a cent, which would be expected to increase the annual revenue it brings in from about $14 million to about $21 million.

Larry Hinton spoke Tuesday in favor of renewing the tax, saying young people often leave this community. Topeka needs good streets in order to grow and keep its young people here, he said.

Webb Garlinghouse raised questions about whether the tax should be extended and increased.

"I'm not opposed to spending money and getting results, but I don't believe we're getting results," he said.

Spencer Duncan, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor last November against De La Isla, said he wasn't against extending the tax but he was also "not quite a 'yes' vote on what's being proposed."

Duncan suggested the city hasn't done a good job administering the tax. He said he wanted to believe the governing body would "get it right this time" instead of saying "Trust us. We've learned our lesson."

De La Isla and Coen left before Tuesday's meeting ended. De La Isla said they were going to a different public engagement event but planned watch the rest of the town hall meeting on a video the city was recording.