County Board Leaders Announce Balanced Budget Compromise Focused on Public Safety and Human Services

November 04, 2025
Dylan Moffitt, Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator, (608) 228-9053
County Board

Compromise eliminates zero sheriff’s department positions and restores vital funding for community service agencies.

DANE COUNTY, Wis. — Dane County Board Chair Patrick Miles and committee leaders today announced a balanced 2026 county budget compromise known as Sub 1. The plan maintains public safety capacity, restores critical human services funding, and keeps the budget within fiscal limits.

Sub 1, developed collaboratively among board members, informed by public input reflecting a diverse array of needs, reflects a shared commitment to fiscal responsibility, compassion, and effective local governance. It was unanimously approved (7–0) by the Personnel and Finance Committee on Oct. 30, 2025, and will be before the full County Board for deliberation on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.

“It’s the County Board’s job to listen to the public’s input on the executive budget proposal,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles. “I’m proud of the work the board thoughtfully did to incorporate the input received from the public to arrive at the values-driven compromise that is Sub 1.”

The compromise meets the county executive’s 4% general fund reduction target for the Sheriff’s Office without eliminating positions or reducing public safety service levels; instead, the amendment budgets for realistic salary savings tied to existing vacancies. Additionally, Sub 1 restores most of the 4% funding reduction proposed for POS agencies and reinvests in core community needs, including housing, shelter operations, food security, and behavioral health services.

“This budget keeps every last current law enforcement officer in their essential roles serving Dane County, maintaining public safety from rural corners of our community to the jail,” said Supervisor Richelle Andrae (Dist. 11), chair of the Public Protection & Judiciary Committee. “It also recognizes that the current level of overtime used by deputies is not sustainable from a financial perspective, but more importantly, the impact on deputies and their families is too heavy, and wearing on our peacekeepers.”

“Now more than ever, our local social safety net is under serious strain,” said Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner (Dist. 2), chair of the Health and Human Needs Committee. “Dane County must step up to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. This budget makes targeted, equitable investments in essential services and reaffirms our commitment to equity, dignity and care for every resident.”

“There is no question that the 2026 budget was difficult for both the County Executive and the County Board,” said Supervisor Matt Veldran (Dist. 4), Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee. “The board listened to the community’s concerns. The Personnel and Finance Committee made as many adjustments as possible, per recommendations of oversight committees, to respond to those many voices.”

“Dane County’s strength comes from how we work together to care for one another. Sub 1 keeps our focus where it belongs—on keeping people safe, housed, and fed—while maintaining the fiscal discipline taxpayers deserve,” said Supervisor Michele Doolan (Dist. 28), Chair of the Zoning and Land Regulation Committee. “The collaborative work behind this proposal is the essence of good governance: compromise, compassion, and shared purpose in service to residents from all walks of life and all levels of need. At a time when instability from those governing beyond the state level leaves local communities to carry the burden, Dane County continues to lead with cooperation and care.”

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About the Dane County Board of Supervisors: The Dane County Board of Supervisors is the legislative and policymaking body of Dane County government. Composed of 37 supervisors elected to represent each county district, the county board’s mission is to effectively represent the people of Dane County, providing services that secure the blessings of freedom, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and perfect the forms of government. Learn more about the county board at https://board.danecounty.gov/.