A Dane County debate over funding health and human resources and public safety jobs resulted in a compromise this week, despite last-minute attempts to save two dozen vacant jobs on the chopping block. The county’s amended operating and capital budgets for next year next move to Executive Melissa Agard for approval or veto.
Dane County Board members approved a $852 million operating budget that includes funding for 20 vacant deputy sheriff positions and for a men’s emergency shelter in Madison. The budget would also restore some funding that had been proposed to be cut for health and human services.
“This budget represents the collective effort of so many across every area of county government,” County Board Chair Patrick Miles said in a statement. “Despite significant challenges — driven by state-imposed revenue limits, federal gridlock and funding uncertainty — we’ve passed a responsible and equitable budget that ensures that the needs of our community continue to be served. Every department made sacrifices and found innovative ways to do more with less.”…