Weigh in on Milwaukee County’s 2020 Budget | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Rae Johnson, Milwaukee County
August 8, 2019
Budgets are about tough decisions, and we are asking for your input on how best to close the projected $28 million gap in Milwaukee County’s 2020 budget. Use the Balancing Act tool to analyze the County’s $1.2 billion operating budget, and make tough choices necessary to close the gap.
We did not get into this financial situation overnight, and it will not be solved overnight. In fact over the past decade, Milwaukee County has steadily increased the amount of revenue we send to the state, while the state aids we receive in return have remained flat or declined. During this time, we have worked hard to reduce our footprint, streamline our operations and save millions of taxpayer dollars, while continuing to better serve our residents.
“We are the economic engine of the state, and we are running on empty,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “For years, we slashed spending and did more with less in order to build the foundation we need to succeed. Now, we are asking residents to get involved and help us make the hard decisions necessary to put our fiscal house and priorities in order and continue building an even greater Milwaukee County.”
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While we continue working with the state to find a sustainable funding solution, we are relying on community input through Balancing Act and during the entire budget process to ensure we pass a responsible, balanced budget for 2020.
“The Balancing Act tool can help the public better understand the choices we face and our need for a Fair Deal from the State of Wisconsin,” said Theodore Lipscomb, Chairman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. “Until state leaders enhance Milwaukee County’s ability to generate revenue and increase funding for state mandates, we will continue to face difficult budget choices. The public’s input through Balancing Act and during the entire budget process, including numerous public hearings throughout October, will help the County Board craft a responsible and balanced budget for 2020.”
Balancing Act is expected to take less than 30 minutes to complete. In addition to providing input on the tough choices that must be made in the upcoming budget, users will be asked for written feedback on how elected officials can better solve the county’s constraints. This tool is also about building a more sustainable future, so all revenue options – both currently available and those that would require a change in state law – are on the table this year.
Let us know what you think, and show us how you would balance the budget!