Council hears CIP/CIB update; city flags JADO project cost increases and advances plan to replace Fire Station 10

City staff presented a multi-part review of the capital improvements program (CIP) and county JADO half-cent sales tax projects on April 15, telling the governing body that project cost estimates have risen since ballot language and that the city must prioritize scope versus number of projects.

Budget director Josh McInerney reviewed JADO funding rules and said $5 million is taken off the top for economic development (the contract currently goes to PECO). He said the remaining JADO funds are split with 52% to the county and 48% to the city, and that escalation in project estimates means the city will not be able to deliver all previously listed projects at full “complete streets” scope without reducing scope or choosing fewer projects.

Public Works Director Steve Gohng described upcoming JADO and other capital projects including full reconstruction of Southwest Huntoon Street (Gage to Harrison), Southwest Topeka Boulevard phase 2, an ongoing bikeways master plan and other routine programs (traffic-signal replacements, bridge maintenance, facility repairs, fleet replacement and infill sidewalks). Gohng listed project budget examples in the CIP: traffic-signal program request ~$2.5 million for next year; firm (facilities) program $2.35 million; bridge maintenance $800,000; fleet replacement about $1,033,000; sidewalk project (Northwest Lyman Road) $1,355,972; and Southeast Adams reconstruction currently shown for 2029 at $7,136,630.

Fire stations: staff said the CIP includes a proposed replacement for Fire Station 10, with design scheduled in 2026 and a planning cost estimate of $11,360,000 for replacement. Council members pressed for a broader relocation/consolidation analysis and for inclusion of council districts and neighborhoods in any relocation conversation. City Manager Robert Perez said staff are developing a fire-station relocation plan and working with Fire Chief Phillips and Public Works on response-time and ISO considerations; he emphasized that the CIP line reflects a replacement priority, not a finalized relocation.

Why it matters: McInerney noted the city’s general-obligation bond capacity is constrained by a Kansas statute that limits principal debt to 30% of assessed valuation; staff showed end-of-year debt-service balances and discussed trade-offs between bonding projects, shifting mill rates and preserving reserves. Council members urged staff to provide clearer project prioritization and to consider alternative approaches such as separating garage operations from street parking, enhancing wayfinding signage for garages, and considering hours of enforcement changes to encourage garage use.

Next steps: Staff will return with more detailed prioritization and appear ready to answer follow-up questions about project timelines, the planned ADA or green elements included in “complete streets” designs, and community engagement on any fire-station relocation work.