In Dane County, we take pride in taking care of each other. We listen, act with compassion, and work together. We live within our means and are honest about our challenges.
Dane County has a $31 million structural budget deficit, meaning the cost of providing services is higher than our annual revenue. This problem did not appear overnight. Since 2017, spending rose by 50%, while revenue sources like sales tax and investment income have not kept up with inflation.
Most families understand that, when household expenses rise faster than income, you can make it work for a while by dipping into savings. But eventually, the gap grows unmanageable. County government works similarly. We can tighten our belts, or we can burn through our reserves and leave ourselves vulnerable to crisis.
Ignoring the structural deficit is irresponsible. I was elected to steward our finances and make hard decisions. Fiscal responsibility means protecting the services people depend on by acting early, rather than risking last-minute cuts.
My administration is implementing cost-saving reforms: a hiring freeze, incentivized early retirements, elimination of vacant positions, and reviews of contracting and county assets. These actions made a meaningful impact. Expenditures for 2026 were lower than 2025, while the average homeowner saw only a $15 property tax increase from Dane County.
In a tight year, Dane County continues delivering essential services and investing in infrastructure that keeps our communities connected and safe. Last year’s budget did not solve the structural problem. Upcoming budgets will require hard conversations and painful choices. Real solutions require serious countywide engagement.
There will be brighter budgets ahead. Getting there starts with the truth and making tough decisions. To preserve the Dane County Way, we must match our compassion with fiscal responsibility and live within our means to build a stronger county together.
