As of the most recent detailed public data (November 2024), the City of Topeka's total debt balance stood at approximately $531.3 million.
Breakdown (from Nov. 2024 reporting):
- Governmental general obligation (GO) bonds: ~$126.2 million
- Business-type GO bonds: ~$7.4 million
- Revenue bonds (largely self-supporting utilities): ~$382.2 million
- Temporary notes: ~$15.6 million
- Total: $531,325,000
This figure includes both direct/general obligation debt and revenue-backed obligations. Much of the revenue debt (e.g., utility-related) is self-supporting through user fees and does not directly burden the general tax base.
Context and Updates:
- 2025 Activity: The city issued additional GO bonds (e.g., Series 2025-A and 2025-B totaling around $36–$37 million for refunding/improvements and temporary notes), which would increase outstanding amounts somewhat, offset by maturities and refinancing.
- Q1 2026 Quarterly Report: The city's latest quarterly financials (through March 31, 2026) discuss debt service payments and fund balances but do not provide a new aggregate total outstanding debt figure in publicly excerpted sections. Overall levels appear broadly consistent with the 2024–2025 range, supported by strong ratings (AA from S&P, Aa3 from Moody's) and manageable debt service (historically ~13–14% of governmental expenditures in rating reports).
For the most current and precise figures, I recommend checking:
- The City of Topeka's Financial Transparency page (quarterly reports and budgets): topeka.gov/government/financial_transparency
- The latest Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) once released for FY 2025.
- Debt schedules in the adopted budgets or rating agency reports on the city's finance site.
Debt levels can fluctuate with new issuances, principal payments, and refinancings. City officials have emphasized that the debt is manageable given the AA rating and revenue sources. If you need details on specific bond series, debt service schedules, or comparisons, let me know!