Milwaukee mayor shares almost $2B proposed budget, says days of cutting services are over
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- City leaders are optimistic the days of cutting services and dipping into reserves are over.
On Tuesday, Mayor Cavalier Johnson shared his nearly $2 billion proposed budget for 2024, which he called a pivot year. His budget includes the $184 million the city expects from the new sales tax, shared revenue, and federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act.
"The city of Milwaukee is in a renaissance. We're on a move. We have the resources to take care of the people and provide the quality-of-life services that we've always needed to do," District 14 Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic said. "We are on that path to fiscal solvency."
For the first time in years, first responders are not on the chopping block.
"I am not closing firehouses. I am not cutting police sworn strength," Mayor Johnson said during his speech.
Instead, the proposed budget would increase fire and police personnel to meet ACT 12 staffing quotas.
The Milwaukee Police Department was unavailable for an on-camera interview Tuesday but did send the following statement regarding the announcement.
"The Milwaukee Police Department always strives to be responsible and efficient stewards of our taxpayers’ resources. MPD is grateful for the proposed budget bestowed upon us and will do our best to deliver the services the public expects and deserves."
Under the proposed budget, a paramedic and fire engine will also be added. These are additions Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski called unexpected but vital to saving lives.
"Those [response] seconds actually count; this is not some sort of myth," he said. "It feels very good. Like I said, it's disorienting. I just haven't been on this end of it forever."
The mayor also announced his Raze to Rebuild plan that would double the money that goes into demolishing abandoned homes in the city to remove blight and reduce the strain they bring to first responders.
"The fire department will hopefully have to respond less to vacant buildings, which are themselves, more hazardous to go inside of and fight fires," Lipski said.
One change is the way the city tackles public safety. A new Community Wellness and Safety Office will replace the Office of Violence Prevention. Mayor Johnson called this approach multipronged because there is not a singular solution to the violence plaguing the city.
"You got to work to make sure there is an economic focus. You've got to work to make sure that there is stability in neighborhoods. You've got to work to make sure that education is a part of that, too. We'll be looking at all those things with the new configuration of the office," Johnson said.
Residents will have two opportunities to provide their input regarding the 2024 city budget.
The first is the Joint Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2, in the Common Council Chamber at City Hall.
The second opportunity will be a Finance and Personnel Committee Public Input Meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 16 in room 301-B on the third floor of City Hall, 200 E. Wells St. This event will be in-person, but those wishing to provide input virtually may do so by registering in advance. Click here to register.
You can view the proposed budget in full, below: