Topeka budget gap shrinks after announced $1.5 million shortfall

Topeka City Hall (WIBW/Marleah Campbel)
Topeka City Hall (WIBW/Marleah Campbel)(WIBW)
Published: Oct. 17, 2019 at 5:10 PM CDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

The City of Topeka says they are close to closing a budget gap.

City Manager Brent Trout says he's personally keeping a close eye on all the budget items to make sure they don't pay for anything that's not needed.

"We have a revenue issue. Not a spending issue," Trout stressed.

He says the City of Topeka has been frugal over the past month. In September, he announced a revenue shortfall of nearly $1.5 million.

"We expected revenues to be better in the area of sales tax and they didn't turn out that way," he explained.

The City estimates the gap has shrunk to about $200,000 to $300,000. Trout credits some of the savings to a "purchasing freeze" he implemented. Any purchase over a certain amount needed his approval.

"When you have a large amount to accomplish in the last three months of the year, you want to make sure you're scrutinizing each purchase that needs to be made. It's not normal business and that's not how we need to normally run," Trout explained.

The City also instated a hiring freeze. Unless it's a critically needed position, the spot will remain open until after the first of the year.

As for the upcoming winter season, Trout says budget concerns will not affect the city's response to clearing roads.

"We predict for the worst when we do our calculations for the budget and that comes out of our motor fuel fund now," he said.

Trout says he does not believe the City will have to dip into reserve fund to pay bills.

"I'm optimistic that we're going to get there with some things that we're doing and hopefully we won't' be talking about this next year," Trout touted.

They City also had some unexpected expenditures this year, including the rebuild of the Kansas Avenue bridge.