News Summary
County Executive David Crowley has unveiled a $1.4 billion budget proposal for Milwaukee County, addressing a significant projected deficit of $47 million. The budget decreases essential services, including public transportation and health support, and introduces a property tax levy increase. Key factors contributing to the deficit include rising inflation and reduced federal funding. Public hearings will allow residents to comment on the proposal.
Milwaukee, WI – County Executive David Crowley presented a $1.4 billion budget proposal for 2026 to the County Board of Supervisors on September 30, aiming to address a large projected budget gap of $47 million. The proposed budget represents a $15 million decrease compared to last year’s financial plan.
The $47 million deficit faced by Milwaukee County is nearly double the average shortfall experienced in recent years. To cope with the deficit, the budget outlines targeted reductions in essential services, including transit services and health and human services. As part of these changes, the budget includes a property tax levy increase of approximately $12 million to help manage the fiscal shortfall.
Factors Contributing to the Deficit
Multiple factors have contributed to the county’s burgeoning deficit, including:
- Rising inflation.
- Increased overtime costs in public safety.
- A surprise transit deficit.
- The ending of pandemic-era federal funding.
- Reduction in federal support under the Trump Administration.
- Stagnant state funding for mandated services.
Planned Service Cuts
The proposed budget includes significant cuts to public transportation. Adjustments may involve:
- Reducing transit hours by up to 15%.
- Increasing fares, with a proposed hike in the base fare from $2.00 to $2.75 and raising the daily unlimited ride cap from $5.00 to approximately $8.00.
- Eliminating a same-day paratransit pilot program.
- Cutting 11 bus routes, with proposed eliminations including Routes 20, 28, 33, 34, 55, and 58.
Additionally, funding reductions in the health and human services sector are expected. This includes potential cuts to crucial programs such as substance abuse services and eviction support. Medicaid funding for county behavioral health services is projected to decrease by roughly $17 million due to state and federal funding cuts, leading to considerations of cutting programs like the First Step Detox Program and Right to Counsel for eviction assistance.
Opportunities Amidst Challenges
Despite the budget constraints, the county did manage to secure $6.3 million in savings following a state veto affecting juvenile offenders’ housing rates. Crowley’s budget also proposes the creation of new positions for child support and youth residential care services, while aiming to protect some family programs from cuts.
Public Engagement and Future Considerations
Following the presentation of the budget, the County Board plans to hold public hearings throughout October and early November, allowing residents to voice their opinions on the proposed budget. The county has experienced ongoing budget deficits over the past two decades, which have led to staff reductions and the divestiture of county properties.
Sales tax revenues are anticipated to reach $192 million in 2026, with a focus on covering pension obligations. Additionally, the county faces a backlog of over $1 billion for capital projects, including a significant renovation of the courthouse.
In his budget address, Crowley emphasized the necessity for fiscal responsibility and the willingness to make difficult decisions to navigate the county’s financial challenges.
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Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
