Topeka City Manager Perez Resigns, Interim Named

Topeka City Manager Robert Perez resigned effective immediately on Oct. 20, and the City Council accepted his resignation and approved interim leadership arrangements. Mayor Spencer Duncan described the departure as a personnel and leadership transition that did not involve wrongdoing, but no reason for the resignation was announced. Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley is to oversee the city manager’s office until Oct. 26, when Michael Webb, a municipal administrator with more than 30 years of experience, is expected to take over as interim city manager. City services are expected to continue without interruption as officials search for a permanent replacement. One report noted recent disruptions involving the city’s online permitting system but said there was no verified evidence connecting them to Perez’s departure.