WESTSIDE ALDERS MEET& GREET: What are your Questions/Concerns from your neighbors

Alders:

Thank you for organizing your program tonight.  Due to a prior commitment, I won't be able to attend.  Here are some of my comments.

Friends and neighbors in the West districts are concerned about the ever-increasing costs of living in Madison.  As the City continues to increase fees and reduce services, it is affecting residents personally.  In December, they will see a large increase in property taxes from MMSD and from the City, Yes, the City referendum passed, but not with the resounding numbers that the City has focused on.  In the 6 districts that will be represented tonight, the referendum received a "Yes" vote from only 52% of the voters.  This should not be considered a "mandate" to the City.

My hope is that you will take seriously your roles as representatives of your districts and consider the effect your decisions will have on your constituents.  At every Council meeting, there are items which require funding.  I continue to see approvals for "wants" rather than "needs" using money that we don't have and which often results in borrowing.

Smart spending examples???

• Currently, the per capita spending on Debt Service is the largest single item in our property tax bill.  What can be done to reduce this amount?
• At the recent CC meeting, there was a discussion about the Dairy Drive homeless project.  It was meant to be a temporary location.  Because it's a "feel good" project, many alders have not be able to make the hard decision to close the site.  At the same time, the Bartillion men's shelter does not have enough funding for full operations.  We can't operate both sites.
• The PCOB struggles to gain any footing and has yet to provide any useful information to the City or MPD.  As alders, what are you willing to do the require accountability?

These are just some of the issues that affect all City residents, guests and visitors.  As a voter, I expect my alder to be fiscally responsible and to prioritize spending.  Please do your due diligence on everything that is included in the 2026 Budget.  You owe that to your districts.

Please listen with an open mind tonight.  I hope that you will schedule a Q&A specifically on the budget.

Thank you.

FROM RESIDENT  | Name redacted 

Alder Harrington-McKinney

We live in Green Tree and have for 40 years. A home two houses from us on__________ has several _________living in this rental house. We and other neighbors have counted TEN vehicles at the property. Doesn't the city enforce the SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ORDINANCE any more? There are noise violation issues related to this rental as well. Is there anything we can do to hold the owner responsible for renting to multiple families? This us not good for our peaceful neighborhood.

FROM RESIDENT | Name redacted