Dane County Board Approves 2025 Budget

October 30, 2024
County Board Chair Patrick Miles, (608) 886-9167
County Board

The 2025 Dane County Budget was approved at tonight’s meeting.  The operating budget totals $813,712,952. The budget raises taxes on the average Madison home by $19.65, an increase of 1.7%.  The capital budget is $112,466,152, a 37.2% reduction from last year.

 

"Crafting an effective budget for 2025, despite financial constraints, is essential for meeting community needs. The careful balance of a well-planned budget allows Dane County to address critical priorities while planning for future challenges. By addressing resident concerns about housing in particular, we strive to meet the immediate needs of our community,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles (District 34).

 

Supervisor Elizabeth Doyle (District 1), Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee stated, "The Board had to make difficult decisions throughout the 2025 Budget Process to prioritize the most urgent needs of our community and continue to do our part to address the affordable housing crisis. I appreciate all of the work and input from the public, staff, and elected officials to make compromises to address these needs and look forward to continuing our work together."

 

The annual budget process occurs each fall, establishing spending priorities for the upcoming calendar year. County Executive Jamie Kuhn presented her proposed budget on September 18, and over the past few months, County Board committees held public hearings and proposed amendments. 

 

The Board heard from community members that housing costs for residents was crucial.  Addressing this persistent need was a priority in budget amendments proposed by County Board Supervisors.  According to Dane County's Regional Housing Strategy, Dane County needs to create 1,765 new affordable rental units per year to meet the needs of our population for the next 15 years.  Supervisors Engelberger, Wegleitner, Fries, Rylander and Blazewicz sponsored amendments to increase Dane County's affordable housing funding, including $2M in new funding for the Madison Area Community Land Trust for permanent affordable home ownership. 

 

The 2025 adopted capital budget resolution includes $30M total for affordable housing creation and preservation, includes two new Housing Program Leaders to support housing navigation services in Dane County's Joining Forces for Families program, one new Program Manager in the Housing Access and Affordability Division, one new assistant corporation counsel to support housing initiatives, one new planning position to help municipalities update their zoning codes, and funding for a new position at the Dane County Housing Authority.

 

"We can't address this housing crisis alone. That's why we're adding 6 new positions to work with all Dane County communities, advocates, residents, and service and housing providers on our goal to realize housing as a human right for Dane County residents. Join us in this work," implored Health and Human Needs Committee Chair Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner (District 2).

 

Supervisor Michael Engelberger (District 35) added, “As chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee I am happy we were able to allocate a new mechanic position for the Alliant Energy Center in pursuit of our efforts of reducing privatization of the county’s labor force, especially in a very tight budget season. We were able to address the severe affordable housing crisis by advancing Regional Housing Strategy recommendations by providing extra staffing, funding a marketing plan and providing $2 million for affordable ownership housing. We are also increasing funding and expanding the scope for affordable housing projects.” 

 

Some of the adopted amendments include:

  • Contribution of $250,000 to Wetland and Habitat Restoration to help mitigate flooding risk and help meet Dane County’s climate action goals.
  • $2 million to be used towards the implementation of the City of Madison’s Lake Monona waterfront master plan, with plans including park improvements, stormwater features, and bike/pedestrian paths.
  • Increased support for children in county care and foster homes with a $60,400 position in the Prevention and Early Intervention – Alternate Care division of Human Services.
  • $109,200 to add a Spanish Medical Interpreter position in the Department of Human Services.
  • Allocating $30,000 to provide funds to place at least six historical markers recognizing Dane County's culturally diverse history.

 

A focus of the 2025 Budget is continuing to maintain core services across Dane County departments, improving language access, funding the Alliant Energy Center’s operations and campus updates, providing resources for reentry and jail diversion programs, among other additions.

 

Supervisor Richelle Andrae (District 11), Chair of the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee stated, “This budget makes meaningful investments in alternatives to incarceration, such as the Deferred Prosecution Program, and will pilot an innovative program to retain more local youth in Dane County who would otherwise be far from home and resources at state youth detention centers. Through these strategies and others, we will continue to move the needle toward a more equitable justice system.”

 

“The Land and Water budget invests heavily in acquiring land for conservation and recreation, increasing our resilience to climate change and flooding threats while continuing to tackle long standing challenges like phosphorous pollution,” said Supervisor Yogesh Chawla (District 6), Chair of the Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee. “Funding is available to restore acquired land to wetlands while increasing accessibility to County parks so they can be enjoyed by all members of our community.”

 

"The 2025 Dane County Budget reflects a deep commitment to addressing the housing crisis, prioritizing resources to ensure that affordable, stable housing is within reach for every resident. By focusing on expanding support for housing initiatives through staffing and financial support, we're taking tangible steps toward lasting change. This budget is more than numbers; it's a promise to strengthen our communities and invest in Dane County's future,” said County Board Supervisor Michele Doolan, Chair of the Zoning and Land Regulation Committee.