County Board To Hold Public Hearing on the Proposed 2016 Budget

October 15, 2015
Supervisor Sharon Corrigan (333-2285) Chair, Dane County Board of Supervisors
County Board

The Dane County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting to take public testimony on the  proposed 2016 Dane County budget on Wednesday, October 21st at 7:00 p.m. in room 201 of the City-County Building.  The public is invited to testify for or against items in the County Executive’s proposed budget.  Testimony is also welcome on any amendments to that proposal. 

 

The proposed 2016 Dane County budget authorizes a total of $602.8 million for combined operating and capital expenditures, financed by $338.1 million in outside revenues, existing resources and borrowing; $56.7 million in sales tax; and $161.2 million in county tax levy funds.  The proposed budget increases the county’s net property tax rate from $3.12 in 2015 to $3.14 for 2016, which will be an increase of $31.84 on the average Madison home (valued at approximately $246,000).  County taxes represent about 15% of an individual’s property tax bill. 

 

Some of the items of note in the proposed budget are the establishment of an Office of Equity and Inclusion, new and expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of the community, and a continued focus on efforts to protect the water quality of Dane County’s lakes. 

 

“This is a chance for the public to express their views to the County Board and influence the process,” said County Board Chair Sharon Corrigan.  “Tell us what you like, and what you don’t like in the proposed budget. The Board has the opportunity to make changes over the next several weeks.”

 

County Board committees will complete their consideration of amendments to the proposed budget by early November.  The full Board will take up the budget on November 16th.