Dane County’s budget process is well underway, and with a projected $31 million structural deficit for 2026, this go-around promises to be especially challenging. In a May press release, County Executive Melissa Agard cited rising operational costs and capital project expenses, insufficient funding from the state, and a “deepening uncertainty” from the federal government.
To cover the projected shortfall, County Executive Agard has directed all departments to reduce their overall budget requests by 4%. Public Health Madison-Dane County (PHMDC) is among those impacted, as well as local programs that depend on funding from the county’s Department of Human Services.
PHMDC joined the county board meeting last Wednesday to outline the areas where their proposed budget cuts would be applied…