Henry McClure has 45 years of real estate experience of real estate transactions of all kinds. Most of my career has been dedicated Shopping Mall re-development, commercial leasing, commercial sales, Mixed-Use/TIF redevelopment and sales of residential and commercial real estate. I have played real advisory roles including but not limited, commercial and residential development, leasing, zoning, real estate tax valuation, platting issues and Brokers Opinions. #mcre1
Based on the latest available data, the major industries employing people in Topeka, Kansas, are:
Health Care and Social Assistance: This sector employs the largest number of people in Topeka, according to 2023 data. Major employers in this area include Stormont-Vail HealthCare and the University of Kansas Health Systems St. Francis Campus.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing is another significant industry, including companies like Hill's Pet Nutrition, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Reser's Fine Foods, Frito Lay, and PTMW.
Educational Services: This sector includes employment at educational institutions like Topeka Public Schools USD 501, Washburn University, and Washburn Institute of Technology.
Public Administration: As the state capital, government employment is a significant factor in Topeka's economy, including positions at the state, county, and city levels. The State of Kansas is the largest employer in Topeka.
Transportation and Warehousing: Topeka is a regional hub for logistics and distribution, with companies like BNSF Railway, Target Distribution Center, and Walmart operating facilities in the area.
Finance and Insurance: Topeka also has a significant presence in financial services, including major companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, Security Benefit Group of Companies, and Capitol Federal Savings Bank.
Retail Trade: Major retail employers such as Walmart and Dillons Stores are also prominent in Topeka.
Tax incentives and the individual taxpayer burden:
When a community grants large tax incentives to a major employer, this decision can have a direct impact on the individual taxpayers who don't necessarily benefit from the higher-paying jobs a large employer might bring to the community. Here's a breakdown of how the burden shifts:
1. Higher individual taxes
Property tax increases: Local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other essential services. When a large corporation receives property tax abatements, the tax burden on homeowners and other businesses can increase to make up for the lost revenue, notes HAR.com.
Fees and assessments: Communities might introduce or increase fees for services like water, sewage, garbage collection, or permits to offset the revenue losses from tax incentives given to a large employer.
Sales tax hikes: Some local governments may consider raising sales tax rates, which can impact all residents, disproportionately affecting lower-income households as a larger portion of their income is often spent on taxable goods.
2. Reduced public services
School funding cuts: If property tax revenue is reduced due to corporate abatements, schools might face budget cuts, potentially leading to larger class sizes, fewer educational programs, or even school closures.
Strained public safety resources: Increased population without a proportional increase in tax revenue can strain police and fire department resources, potentially affecting response times and public safety in the area.
Infrastructure deficiencies: Lack of funding for road maintenance, water system upgrades, or other infrastructure needs can affect everyone in the community, leading to potholes, water outages, and more.
Limited access to healthcare: If tax incentives result in reduced funding for public hospitals or community health centers, individuals may experience longer wait times, reduced access to specialized care, or increased healthcare costs.
3. Economic disparity
Wage stagnation: While a large employer might promise job creation, these jobs don't always pay high wages, especially for lower-skilled workers. Additionally, studies have shown that when corporate tax rates are cut, wage growth for middle-class taxpayers can be negatively impacted, says the National Taxpayers Union.
Disadvantaging local businesses: The tax incentives and preferential treatment given to large corporations can disadvantage smaller, local businesses that pay their full share of taxes and are often the backbone of the community's economy.
Concentration of benefits at the top: While the average taxpayer shoulders a larger tax burden, the benefits of tax cuts often accrue disproportionately to high-income earners and shareholders of the large companies receiving the incentives, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
In essence, when a community offers substantial tax incentives to a major employer without adequate safeguards, the individual taxpayers who may not directly benefit from the higher wages are often left to foot the bill through higher taxes, reduced services, and an increasing economic divide.
In a council-manager form of government, the city manager plays a vital role as the city's chief administrative officer. Their responsibilities are primarily focused on implementing the policies set by the city council and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. Here are the top three things a city manager is typically responsible for:
Overseeing daily municipal operations and staff: The city manager supervises and coordinates city departments, ensures the efficient delivery of services, and manages the hiring, firing, and supervision of city personnel, including department heads.
Developing and managing the city budget: The city manager is responsible for preparing and proposing the annual budget for the city council's consideration. They also manage city spending, and work to ensure the city's fiscal health.
Acting as the chief advisor to the city council and liaison to the public: City managers provide expert advice and recommendations to the city council on policy matters, and they serve as a key point of contact between the city government and the public, addressing concerns and fostering communication. They attend council meetings, represent the city in intergovernmental relationships, and may also be involved in public relations and media communication.+
To submit a KORA (Kansas Open Records Act) request to the Kansas Department of Revenue, you should submit your request in writing, either by mail or using their online form.You can find the online form and further information on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. [1, 2]
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Online Form:
The Kansas Department of Revenue provides a KORA Request Form (PR-50) on their website.
If state and local officials aren't collecting taxes for a decade, it's a highly unusual and potentially problematic situation. Here's a breakdown of who you might want to contact, depending on your concerns:
Your State's Attorney General: The Attorney General's office is responsible for enforcing state laws, including tax laws. They would be a crucial point of contact to inquire about the legality and implications of such a decision.
Your State's Department of Revenue: This department is generally responsible for administering tax laws and collecting taxes. They can explain the specific laws and your rights as a taxpayer. Many departments also have a taxpayer advocate or ombudsman to help you with tax problems or complaints.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service: This is an independent organization within the IRS, which can assist taxpayers with issues they haven't been able to resolve with the IRS directly. While primarily focused on federal taxes, they may be able to offer guidance or direct you to appropriate resources for state and local issues if they are impacting your federal tax situation.
Your Elected Officials: Reaching out to your state and local representatives (state legislators, city council members, etc.) can bring attention to the issue and potentially prompt action or investigation.
Local Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs): If the lack of tax collection is impacting low-income individuals, these clinics might be able to provide assistance, especially if there are related federal tax implications.
In summary, the best course of action is likely to start by contacting the relevant state and local tax agencies to understand the situation and then escalating to the State Attorney General or Taxpayer Advocate Service if necessary. Additionally, contacting elected officials can be beneficial in raising awareness and potentially spurring a resolution
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