Town hall meeting held on 2025 budget as Milwaukee County faces $19M deficit

 

MILWAUKEE COUNTY (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County, looking to close a $19 million budget deficit, held the first of three town hall meetings Monday night at the Washington Park Senior Center in Milwaukee.

County leaders are trying to stay positive, saying a $19 million deficit isn't easy, but it is reachable. But at this meeting, there was no talk of how exactly to get to a balanced budget.

"We're here to listen to many of our constituents and to listen to our residents to hear, what do they think about this particular budget," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

A packed house listened to an explanation of how Milwaukee County went from a surplus to now facing an anticipated budget at $19 million in the red.

"Some declining sales tax revenues. People are spending less on items in the community," said Joe Lamers, director of Milwaukee County Office of Strategy, Budget and Performance.

Budget Director Joe Lamers says the sales tax revenue the county expected is $10 million short. In addition, overtime at the sheriff's office is $6 million more than anticipated. Public safety accounts for 33% of all expenses. Other challenges listed include inflation, the hiring of additional staff, higher health care costs, and state revenue limitations.

"As we begin to move forward, I think that we're gonna be able to find ways to reduce this deficit without any major cuts to services," said Crowley.

County Executive David Crowley gives thanks to Act 12, which increased the sales tax. Without it, he says the county might have faced a $100 million budget deficit by the year 2028.

Residents did voice concerns here, talking about road conditions, taxes, and the availability of dog parks. Users of Runway Dog Park,  which closed in 2022, recall being told the county would find them a new park, and while they wait, issues have popped up at Warnimont Dog Park which has just five acres compared with the 26 acres that were at Runway.

"They even asked us. They put a little interactive map online and said drop a pin, where do you want it?" said Gail Milbrath, former Runway Dog Park user, now at Warnimont Dog Park.

"When dogs fight because of overcrowding, and people fight, it's not a good situation all the way round," said Janet Wunrow, longtime Warnimont Dog Park user.

County board supervisors are expected to adopt a 2025 budget in November.