Earlier this month, Dane County’s operating deficit projection for 2027 was cut from $31.8 million to approximately $15 million. This was largely due to revised estimates related to closing out Fiscal Year 2025 and a number of other factors.
This is great(-ish) news, but a $15 million structural deficit is still a serious challenge, and after the County closed a $31 million deficit in the 2026 budget, the low-hanging budgetary fruit is picked. Rising operational costs, ongoing state underfunding of mandated services and local aid, and dramatic increases to the cost of insuring County employees mean that there are no easy budgets in our future.
That’s why I’m honored to have been appointed to the Dane County Personnel and Finance Committee. This committee takes a leading role in shaping the final budget compromise voted on by the full County Board, and I don’t take this assignment lightly. Between now and November, the committee will be reviewing department budget submissions, scrutinizing where cuts can be made responsibly, and working to ensure that the services District 12 residents depend on are protected. I’ll be at every meeting, asking hard questions and fighting for our community.
I also think that our County employees have borne much of the burden of these deficits so far, and I am very interested in creative solutions that cut costs while not continuing to burden them.
I’ll keep you informed every step of the way. As always, reach out anytime.
