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Topeka committee considers voluntary pilot (PILOT) template for tax-exempt properties; no action taken
Summary
Councilmembers discussed creating a suggested payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) template to present to tax-exempt and abated properties; staff said state law makes PILOTs voluntary, and the committee did not take formal action but asked staff to return with options.
Chair Spencer Duncan introduced a preliminary discussion on payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) during the March 25 Policy and Finance Committee meeting, describing a staff-drafted matrix showing sample buildings, square footage and estimated current city tax equivalents.
Duncan said the intent is not to mandate payments — state law prevents requiring PILOTs for exempt properties — but to provide a suggested template so organizations that are exempt or have tax abatements can consider voluntary contributions to the city. He described PILOTs as “a suggested donation” and said staff want a practical approach rather than spending time on a requirement that state law does not allow.
Councilmembers agreed there are a handful of large non-taxpaying properties in Topeka whose voluntary payments could help offset costs borne by the tax base. Several members also warned staff resources should be weighed against likely returns: if many organizations decline to give, pursuit could be time-consuming with little revenue. Staff said they compiled a small sample matrix of buildings, appraised values and estimated city-tax-equivalent per square foot and can return with proposed suggested amounts or a simplified flat-rate option.
Ending: Staff will refine the matrix and present suggested PILOT options (square-foot basis or flat-rate alternative) at a future committee meeting; no ordinance-action or requirement was proposed or approved.
