Topeka reviews $129.6M in 2025 CIP work and previews major projects including Hunton Street and a proposed new fire station

City public works and finance staff presented the capital improvements program and a short video showing 2025 accomplishments, telling the governing body the city completed 99 capital projects in 2025 with about $129.6 million in budgeted dollars committed to infrastructure work.

Staff highlighted major upcoming projects: the Hunton Street reconstruction from Gage to Harrison (utility relocations underway and multi‑phase construction slated for 2027–2029); 17th Street (I‑470 to McVicker) postponed and now expected in 2028–2030; and a proposed new fire station estimated at roughly $11.26 million with conceptual design money already in the CIP. Jason Trion and Josh McCannney explained funding options — countywide sales tax (JTO), citywide sales tax, bonds, federal fund exchanges and general fund transfers — and the budget tradeoffs that come with issuing debt versus using cash.

Council members asked for a near‑term presentation on the fire‑station plan and phasing; staff said a report with recommendations and phasing options will be ready in the next 30–60 days. Several members urged planning around grants and pay‑as‑you‑go strategies to minimize long‑term interest costs. Council Member Hiller said that using a short, targeted sales tax for a single high‑priority project could avoid roughly $6.5 million in interest a debt issuance would add over time, and asked staff to include grant and cash options in future CIP decisions.

Staff also noted constrained bridge and sidewalk budgets and repeated the need to prioritize projects as JTO and other fund balances decline; council asked for a pavement condition summary and better visibility of completed versus outstanding projects so citizens can see what remains to be funded.