[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6080561,"mediaKeyId","2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6","parentId",2946160,"title","Public commenter urges implementation of county citizens commission; cites statute 19‑26‑70 and recent change under SB‑104","audioSeconds",193,"startMs",6986000,"endMs",7179000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6&start=6986&end=7179","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6/thumbnail_6986000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6080561/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Public-commenter-urges-implementation-of-county-citizens-commission-cites-statute-192670-and-recent-change-under-SB104","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080561-00b616cc4554889fb215f1f632d89a18/orig.mp4?Expires=1770286397&Signature=IBoTl-3ASH8jsdINFzZ66SzPyCSj497sck2M1pppacJqKFPwohNL-r8cX8RDYqQ88Th-pmdua7Cdm5b-ZCbsLoyjm8yKfa2r~oR6WbybFFsfWr2LOaiNjSXz6z8nygm2V5V7-UyYCzH6ck9DBF-Jh1S-4jNHTa4eBEA01cd6K3fI7hUrwd51JMPi2Wc7vnA3-HZc0tgbxegXKpTzuwvtehlAIAFc5Jkt2DDjR1IMC~DxCg3c86wW-L2BbuDRvtPZ7TRqcZNmUnJflsdxdFKBJFpn0Gdh7DVjfp4~NliVR~C--7GfAri59J4s~0DgtxeNJ0-YBS1Xd69xcGaoNXwV7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Topeka, KS","date","2025-04-09T00:00:00Z","article","Henry McClure, a member of the public, urged the committee to press for implementation of a citizens commission for Shawnee County and cited state law and recent changes.

“You all ought to look into the Citizens Commission ... the statute just off the top of my head is 19 26 70,” McClure said, adding that “they recently just passed senate bill 1 0 4 to block implementing the plan” by making the commission optional.

Why it matters: The proposed citizens commission would create a forum for county taxing entities and citizens to share information and coordinate on issues such as the distribution of sales tax revenue and other intergovernmental matters. McClure said the body could provide broader public connectivity among the city, county, library, school districts and other taxing entities.

McClure, who said he is running for mayor of Topeka, said the commission was originally designed to help with countywide issues and noted that making the statute optional limits the commission’s implementation. Committee members clarified that, as McClure described it, the change was to make the statute optional rather than mandatory.

The committee did not take formal action on the comment, but members acknowledged the point and recorded the written public comments that had been submitted by email.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Citizen's Government Review Committee Meeting April 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, Henry McClure urged the committee to pursue a county citizens commission established under statute 19‑26‑70 and warned that Senate Bill 104 recently made the commission optional rather than mandatory.","taxTitle","Topeka City, Shawnee County, Kansas","taxId",4988,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080566,"Citizens review committee explores creating a city performance auditor; requests memo from city manager",998,4999000,5997000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6&start=4999&end=5997","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6/thumbnail_4999000.jpg","/articles/6080566/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Citizens-review-committee-explores-creating-a-city-performance-auditor-requests-memo-from-city-manager","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080566-2d1d0b4da0937c932a91bfab40a875e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770286397&Signature=BznENZUf3yGHG2NagbE~p4p3rnoW90rq22nMwtPVX9IPY8x98q-~KImgxBKZe97-jTSi32RCA~D5Z89Wn~pVuEfui3rtzEtBYZyNx00~79Gyy2znFGQN0CO3EFyYDcBNkbllDux83z6Vrk42zh7nbtP5M0zGwKaDAPcmSYFp0VKUuGvUYKpx0zTswkvI7UoS2IGjCPxvzp5iJRyflkdZc8uEsqDxkdN6d-tqOPMBimqVMnUWYFYXquryl~NKrihPdCnDvX8DKqONS52~WDQXWln62BmswV1lVxvHddPWN8Jnx8GlcwnVDTbx29i7auZFMZ3LDc9svDGHkPGSUoJnlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Citizens Government Review Committee debated whether Topeka should create a semi‑independent city auditor who would conduct performance and financial audits and report to the city council.

A committee member asked, “Why doesn't the city of Topeka have an auditor?” and urged the group to review how auditors in Olathe, Dallas, Wichita and Lawrence operate. The member cited perceived value in independent performance reviews and the potential for cost savings.

Why it matters: The committee is assembling recommendations on governance and oversight. An internal performance auditor could provide public assurance about program effectiveness and track the implementation of prior committee and staff reports.

Discussion covered model options and governance: committee members noted some cities appoint auditors through the council and fund an office that performs performance audits, financial audits or both. Committee members raised concerns about duplication of work if departments already produce performance measures and asked for clarity about the incremental value of a new office.

The committee asked City Manager Dr. Perez to supply a memo and said he may be invited to attend a future meeting. Multiple members indicated they wanted information about how a city auditor would be appointed, what unit costs and staffing would look like, and examples of program savings other municipalities have identified.

Committee members agreed to research the topic further and to request factual material from the manager’s office before deciding whether to include a recommendation in the draft report.","Committee members discussed whether Topeka should create an internal auditor to conduct financial and performance audits. Members asked City Manager Dr. Perez for a memo about feasibility and to appear at a future meeting to provide experience from cities that use auditor offices.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080571,"League of Women Voters urges retaining city‑manager form, independent redistricting and deeper city–county cooperation",479,2240000,2719000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6&start=2240&end=2719","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6/thumbnail_2240000.jpg","/articles/6080571/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/League-of-Women-Voters-urges-retaining-citymanager-form-independent-redistricting-and-deeper-citycounty-cooperation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080571-bb89166ed3283f4d8b3c38f291c5c2e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770286397&Signature=jIR-GdwNWKiPnsXm0e4QG91GGeANtLW8vBofNC0Ok5y6UN7VjjUfIJAoUIkNqJkWbx~~QLP1vVFu3Nrf2QVIlE~iRvDVt91R6UpDCNq0JRZSC9Azox2chMVmBhgiv1Ple~ODRiUZVw891ref8JAZwvWiNvw4n24YaLp2j8w10nAvADD3BLAOeGhqoWowUB~xblWPQZL4VsaT4avS8pliUEMFd3nxP9UBA9hHKa92jLsxguv15gkT~kjrypng3Hesne79V7kOGYBt9MGcWHG-Irhp8dhIaWWERJ600UHO7uJd8D0deQbb1p8laJ2qmGKoR7EDVie9Rc7Aj00qp9BDOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vicky Arnett and Dr. Glenda Overstreet Vaughn told the Citizens Government Review Committee the League of Women Voters supports the current mayor–council/city‑manager form of local government and urged steps to strengthen transparency and intergovernmental cooperation.

“The league does support the mayor, council, city manager, form of government,” Vicky Arnett said, as she summarized the local League’s recent study and position statements.

Why it matters: The League’s recommendations provide organized civic input the committee can use while drafting charter‑related recommendations, especially on redistricting, appointed bodies, interlocal cooperation and periodic charter code reviews.

Arnett, the League’s study chair, said the local League updated its position in 2022–23 and recommends: adopting an independent redistricting commission; reviewing charter ordinances every 10 years; strengthening interlocal cooperation and the Intergovernmental Coordinating Council (ICC) for city/county collaboration; budgeting for a sustainability program manager; and reviewing the function of citizen boards, committees and commissions.

The League supports cooperation between city and county in public safety, infrastructure, emergency management, transit, public health, solid waste and environmental planning. Arnett said the ICC began as a forum after passage of a half‑cent countywide sales tax and that the forum could be made more substantive with clearer agendas and action items.

Dr. Overstreet Vaughn, the incoming local League president, described the League’s work promoting voter information, civic engagement and nonpartisan study of governance issues. The League repeatedly advised the committee to prioritize transparency, community engagement and processes that minimize incumbent protection when redrawing district lines.

The committee asked several technical questions about ICC origin, curent interlocal agreement posting and whether the League had formally shared its recommendations with the county; Arnett said the League had not submitted its position to the county and would consider doing so.

Committee members said they will use the League’s written materials and position statements as part of the committee’s record as it prepares draft recommendations.","Representatives of the Topeka and Shawnee County League of Women Voters presented the League’s position statements supporting the mayor–council/city‑manager form of government, independent redistricting, review of charter ordinances every 10 years and stronger city–county collaboration on public safety, infrastructure and sustainability.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080575,"Councilman Marcus Miller: Topeka’s city‑manager system is working; committee urged to take outreach to neighborhoods",2116,74000,2190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6&start=74&end=2190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946160-448e8a3f77353924a7fda42cdbc4dec6/thumbnail_74000.jpg","/articles/6080575/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Councilman-Marcus-Miller-Topekas-citymanager-system-is-working-committee-urged-to-take-outreach-to-neighborhoods","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080575-522748f328f72a8fdf181587da96e99d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770286397&Signature=mEvkOQ39ycsbL-pIfg4xZwyYoodXwXpn0U5UJveG3jsmfwzpiojMGbRqdQwsaz-f1TH9lLA4x-P2341GtEx92qqtx3yeSdqqoUOngHqAHP~DzE5j1Zhq5i1IDjsuhX-drAYfFdk7kDP5CqhNqALqrDeTjplc3b-yBzChIfpnbT8w0uIWFOn0Q7dSlRmac4AZhxJtvFg4MkswbE-MZTS4wnP62nXXjLXAmRU8rdTHbYYRunm9Uts9cHiqH0DsntNuKiW84BWUYJh59-9LOyyISqbkf~u20KtlzlJ9NNvmVm2z~5CipEM7MurX21NOqDl4NRvK8MlsFGLBvRxbhYRKUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilman Marcus Miller told the Citizens Government Review Committee that he supports Topeka’s current mayor–council/city‑manager form of government and that the city’s operations are functioning well.

“I've been very happy with how it functions,” Councilman Marcus Miller said, adding that City Manager Dr. Perez “does a really good job” of coordinating staff and council work.

Why it matters: The committee is reviewing the city charter and the structure of municipal government. Miller’s comments provided the council perspective as the panel gauges whether to recommend structural or procedural changes, such as adjustments to council size, term length or redistricting rules.

Miller, who represents District 6 and said this is his first term, told committee members the city’s checks and balances are working and that communication between council and the city manager is “very, very good.” He opposed a return to at‑large seats, saying district representation helps ensure diverse pockets of the city are heard. “I don't like the at large idea,” he said.

On election timing and term length, Miller said he favors staggered four‑year terms, arguing shorter terms would keep council members in near‑constant campaign mode and could undermine decisionmaking. He also said he supports term limits: “I'm a big believer in term limits,” he told the committee, and said he does not plan to run beyond the 2027–2031 window.

Miller urged the committee to boost public engagement by taking meetings into neighborhoods and “meeting people where they're at.” He suggested much of the apparent lack of public participation reflects convenience and scheduling rather than indifference: many residents raise issues on social media or by email rather than attending daytime meetings.

On housing and budgeting, Miller said increasing the city’s affordable housing supply is a priority and cautioned against simplistic cost calculations. “You can't just simply divide these numbers that you see,” he said, urging clearer public explanation of how tax credits and other financing tools affect affordability. Asked about projected budget deficits and possible cuts in federal funding, Miller said city leaders are still working through budget scenarios and “I don't know how that plays out,” but emphasized focusing on what the city can control.

The Citizens Government Review Committee will continue to take testimony and public comment as it prepares preliminary drafts for an April work session.","Councilman Marcus Miller told the Citizens Government Review Committee he supports Topeka’s mayor–council/city‑manager arrangement, favors district representation and four‑year terms, and urged the committee to boost public outreach. He discussed communication with City Manager Dr. Perez, housing concerns and term limits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenter urges implementation of county citizens commission; cites statute 19‑26‑70 and recent change under SB‑104

Citizens review committee explores creating a city performance auditor; requests memo from city manager

League of Women Voters urges retaining city‑manager form, independent redistricting and deeper city–county cooperation

Councilman Marcus Miller: Topeka’s city‑manager system is working; committee urged to take outreach to neighborhoods