Milwaukee Common Council approves 2023 amended city budget

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Common Council has adopted an amended city budget for next year in the amount of $1.72 billion.

"I do want to caution it that we have a severe fiscal situation here," said District 14 Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic, Finance and Personnel Committee chair.

In a 9-2 vote, the Milwaukee Common Council passed the 2023 city budget. In total, the council passed 26 amendments to Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s proposed budget.

"It's not something that we can celebrate but I do think with the amendments from the council, it is a little bit less painful than the original budget was," said District 6 Ald. Milele A. Coggs.

Mayor Johnson's budget proposal cut funding from libraries, police and fire departments. The council passed an amendment that adds 15 police recruits next year by reallocating ARPA funds.

The tax rate in 2023 will be $9.16, a dollar less than in 2022 and the levy total will increase by 2%, which is 1% less than the mayor's proposal.

"We are in some economically hard times. There were a lot of difficult decisions that had to be made with this year's budget and they will only get more difficult with the years to come," said Ald. Coggs.

Council members continue to encourage public input to navigate the challenges ahead.

"Continue contacting us, the mayor, make sure your voice is heard," said Dimitrijevic.

The budget will now go to the mayor's desk for his approval. He has until Nov. 15 to approve or veto.