Topeka city leaders poised to eliminate 'readiness to serve' utility charge

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka city leaders are scheduled to discuss a change to the controversial "readiness to serve" utility charge at an upcoming meeting.

The Topeka City Council is set to meet on Nov. 12 and take action on a proposed ordinance regarding the city's utility rates. Approval of this new ordinance would amend sections of the Topeka Municipal Code, 13.05.020 and 13.05.050, regarding the city's water and wastewater rate structure, including the readiness to serve charge.

Topeka's readiness to serve charge is a monthly fee for people on all water meters, regardless of whether they are used or not. City councilmembers discussed the charge earlier this year in June with some calling it out for causing mass confusion among local residents.

If the city council approves of the amendments, the readiness to serve charge will be replaced with a "base charge" that only applies to active water and wastewater accounts. The amendment will be active starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

City utilities staff recommend approval of the new ordinance as it will help maintain cost recovery and support continued investment in system reliability, maintenance and regulatory compliance, according to the city council's agenda documents. Stormwater fees will remain the same and will continue to be assessed to all applicable properties.

Topeka Utilities Director Sylvia Davis talked about the proposed ordinance during a recent Public Infrastructure Committee meeting on Oct. 21. She said it will include a "moderate rate increase" for active customers which will be used to offset the loss of the readiness to serve charge.

Davis said there are 1,767 utility accounts that are considered inactive with the City of Topeka. Of these accounts, 962 are contributing to a total delinquent balance of over $730,000.

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