Topeka Metro could see a 3% budget increase, and public to have say. Here's what to know.

Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority could get a 3% budget increase.

During the July 2 Topeka City Council meeting, members unanimously approved holding a public hearing to decide whether to increase the annual metro budget.

What is Topeka Metro?

Since 1973, the Topeka Metro has provided bus service within Topeka and works with other organizations to address mass transit needs.

Topeka Metro provides 12 fixed route services and paratransit/Lift service Monday through Saturday during daytime hours.

For 2024, the organization's budget was $6,628,581. It is requesting an increase to $6,847,385.

Will your tax bill go up?

While the mill levy, a set tax rate, wouldn't change, because of property valuations rising on average 5.5%, most likely property owners' taxes will go up.

The set tax rate was 4.2 mills and last year would cost a $100,000 home $48.30. After the 5.5% value increase, the property would be worth $105,500 this year and that same mill rate would cost $50.96. That would be a $2.66 increase in the Metro's portion of property tax.

What did council members say about Topeka Metro?

Senior financial analyst Josh McAnarney said this sets the limit of what the metro can charge in taxes meaning the rate can go lower but cannot go higher.

Council member Spencer Duncan said the council wanted to make it clear the vote taken was to have a public hearing and notify the state of a potential budget increase.

Duncan also asked if it would be possible for the metro to give an in-depth presentation on what the budget would have to look like with or without the increase.

Council member Karen Hiller said this is the beginning process of tax season and the city will continue to trim down as much as they can throughout the tax season.

"This just kicks off the season if you will," Hiller said, "and so I'm very comfortable leaving with this."