2020 Budget

The Common Council concluded the City's annual budgeting process at meetings last week (11/12 & 11/13). The Council adopted amended versions of both the Capital and Operating budgets. The adopted budget results in an increase in tax levy and a 25.1% decrease in borrowing as compared to 2019. The increase in property tax to the average home (valued at $300,000) will be $94.47.

In addition, the Council passed a $40 vehicle registration fee. 

This year's budget wasn't easy with many competing priorities, the continuation of a very strict state mandated levy limit, and large increases to year-to-year department budgets based on previously negotiated salary increases and expiring grants. One big theme I heard from my colleagues was a desire to start working on the 2021 budget much earlier than we did with the 2020 budget. I expect to be part of efforts to engage the community so residents can weigh on priorities.

I wanted to share some interesting data that helps demonstrate the difficult position the City is in. The charts shows the history of state aid received by the City of Madison and data on the State's Expenditure Restraint Program.

Here are my previous budget posts:

• 10/11/2019 - Vehicle Registration Tax
• 10/24/2019 - 2020 Capital and Operating Budget (good overview)
• 11/6/2019 - Budget and Madison Police Department

More details on the 2020 Budget Council meetings:

• 11/12/2019 Meeting Video
• 11/13/2019 Meeting Video
• 2020 Capital Budget - Adopted Council Amendments
• 2020 Operating Budget - Adopted Council Amendments

As always, if there is anything I can do to help, feel free to reach out: district19@cityofmadison.com

-Keith F