Dane County’s proposed budget includes spending cuts as pandemic aid runs out

Acting Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn unveiled her 2025 county budget application On September 18, it totaled $903 million, down almost 7% compared to 2024.

Dane County’s budget differs from Madison’s, which is expected to be $22 million deficit for 2025. While the city is asking residents to vote in favor of referendum to raise property taxes in hopes of closing a budget gap, Dane County plans to spend less than last year. Spending decline comes amid pandemic federal aid is about to expire.

Kuhn’s budget proposal includes an operating budget of $813 million, more than $23 million less than last year. The proposed capital plan is $90 million, a 49.54% decrease from the $179 million approved in 2024.

The proposed tax rate is $2.57 per $1,000 of adjusted value, which is the lowest rate since 2010.

According to a Sept. 18 report, the proposed budget focuses on Dane County families and includes additional funding for the Dane County Joining Forces for Families program to “expand opportunities to provide housing connections in northwest Dane County.” press release.

The proposal also includes additional staff support in Dane County Veterans Affairs Office and funding to establish a new Dementia Care Unit within the Adult Protective Services.

“As the economy changes, our goal in this budget is to prioritize community needs by identifying and funding gaps in services and ensuring that we are good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Kuhn said in statement.

Overview of the most important events Kuhn’s 2025 budget proposals include:

$10 million for the Affordable Housing Fund
$10 million for the Dane County Preservation Fund
$16.6 million invested in highway projects
Maintaining essential services across all departments
Financing for Alliant Energy Center Improvements

The proposed 2025 budget will be submitted to the County Board of Supervisors for consideration. The final budget is expected to be released in late October, according to press release.

The County Council plans to hold public hearings on October 9.

Dane County Executive choice On Nov. 5, Sen. Melissa Agard, D-Madison, and former District 13 Dane County Supervisor Dana Pellebon will select the county’s next executive director. The winner of the election will have the power to approve or veto budgets once in office.