City governing body rejects property tax hike for Topeka Metro bus service

A divided Topeka governing body rejected two attempts late Tuesday to raise the property tax that finances the city’s bus service, first by 1 mill, then by 1/2 mill.

“This saddens my heart,” said Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz, who was on the losing side both times as Tuesday’s votes were taken before an audience that included dozens of transit service advocates.

Ortiz stressed that the TMTA’s levy hasn’t risen since 2010.

Supporters only got four “yes” votes — with six needed for approval — as the governing body first rejected a proposed 1-mill hike in the levy assessed by the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority. That would have amounted to an annual rise in property taxes of $11.50 for the owner of a $100,000 home.

Supporters then got five “yes” votes as the governing body rejected the proposed 1/2-mill increase, which would have amounted to an annual rise in property taxes of $5.75 for the owner of a $100,000 home.

Tuesday’s votes came as the governing body, consisting of the mayor and nine city council members, considered — and ultimately approved — a charter ordinance excluding the revenues and expenses of the TMTA when determining the city’s state-imposed aggregate limit for property taxes. The TMTA oversees the city’s transit service, Topeka Metro.