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Topeka council approves liens on delinquent utility/base‑charge accounts after heated public comment
Summary
The council voted 6–4 to adopt an ordinance authorizing real‑estate liens to collect unpaid readiness‑to‑serve (base) charges, stormwater and related utility delinquencies on a reduced list of 618 accounts totaling $525,517; opponents said the policy disproportionately burdens low‑income residents and nonprofits.
On May 5 the Topeka Governing Body adopted an ordinance authorizing the county to place real‑estate assessments (liens) on property owners with severely delinquent readiness‑to‑serve/base charges and stormwater fees, a move staff said would help collect overdue utility charges while preserving ratepayer equity.
Sylvia Davis, utilities director, told the council the ordinance lists accounts overdue by at least 90 days and that the current list had been reduced to 618 accounts totaling $525,517 through payments, arrangements or changes in ownership. “Since our last discussion, the total list is down to 618 accounts, for a total of $525,517,…
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