Madison Reporter

The Madison Common Council is encouraging residents to submit public testimony on a resolution affecting the City budget at its next meeting on Tuesday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m.

If adopted, the resolution would place a referendum on the November 5 general election ballot. The referendum would authorize an increase of $22 million to the state-imposed property tax levy limit to allow the City to continue funding police, fire, garbage collection, parks and library operations, and other City services and operations.

To register to speak in-person or virtually at the August 6 meeting, residents are asked to fill out a form. The agenda item for the referendum resolution is 84443. Registration can also be completed at the City County Building on the day of the meeting.

Written comments on the referendum resolution can be submitted by emailing allalders@cityofmadison.com.

The Council meeting on August 6 is described as "the community’s opportunity to have their voice heard on this vital City budget issue." A special virtual council meeting will then be held on August 20 for alders to take a final vote on the resolution. This scheduling is due to final figures from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue not being ready until after August 15.

It should be noted that in-person or virtual public testimony on the referendum resolution will only take place at the August 6 meeting. However, written comments can be submitted anytime between now and August 20.

More information on the 2025 budget process is available on the City’s Budget Outlook page.

Residents are encouraged to watch Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway's presentation outlining a sustainable long-term budget plan for Madison’s budget delivered at the July 16 Council meeting. Additional resources include reading "the Mayor’s memo to Alders," answers to frequently asked questions about the budget and potential referendum, and interesting facts and figures about Madison’s budget.