TOPEKA (KSNT) – Topeka utility customers will see some changes to their city utility bills next year. City leaders are changing the name of a fee that has been confusing residents.
The “readiness to serve” charge will now be called a “base charge” beginning Jan. 1.
The monthly fee applies to anyone who has a water meter, whether it’s used or not. The charge is used to maintain system readiness, reduce rate increases and provide financial support to customers who need help paying their water bills.
“I know changing it back to base charge can create a lot of confusion, but to me it was we can go back to the old way of having the name be base charge, and then this also will help any future customers that haven’t had service in Topeka that become service members where they’re getting water service from Topeka will have just base charge as their number one billing item so it makes it more understandable for everyone,” said District Five Councilman Brett Kell.
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The fee is currently $31.09 per month for most city water customers and will rise to $32.65 in 2026. Customers with larger water meters pay more.
The city said customers will see both charges listed on their January bills, a prorated “readiness to serve” charge and a prorated “base charge.”
“This does not represent an additional fee,” the city said in a news release. “It reflects the transition between the two names within a single billing cycle.
Earlier this year, city leaders almost voted to scrap this charge altogether, but city staff said that would mean even higher rate increases for customers.
In addition to the higher base charge, water rates will also increase Jan. 1 based on the amount of water residents use. Right now, homeowners pay $13.59 for every 1,000 gallons of water. That will increase to $14.67 per 1,000 gallons in 2026.
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