Madison Reporter

Dane County is the fastest-growing county in Wisconsin and a significant contributor to the state's economy. Local governments in the county provide essential infrastructure and services that support this growth, with residents contributing billions of dollars through income and sales taxes. However, these communities are increasingly unable to benefit from the economic growth they help generate, struggling to maintain service levels due to state-level policies.

This week, seven mayors from Dane County met in Sun Prairie to discuss local issues, including reforms to state laws that restrict local governments' ability to meet their residents' needs. Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser expressed concern over the impending crisis in funding essential services.

“We, the leaders of the seven cities in Dane County, are calling on the Wisconsin legislature to eliminate the levy limits that prevent us from keeping pace with the inflation that is battering our city budgets,” said Mayor Esser.

Stoughton Mayor Tim Swadley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for municipalities to maintain safe communities and efficient services without resorting to referendums.

“Local municipalities should have the ability (without going to referendum) to maintain safe communities, provide efficient services and participate in the growth of Wisconsin's economy,” said Mayor Swadley. “I would appreciate opportunities to increase collaborations with legislators statewide for seeking solutions in rising costs and state funding.”

Three cities—Fitchburg, Madison, and Monona—are seeking funding referendums this November for basic services. Fitchburg Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta highlighted her city's rapid population growth and strained services due to levy limits.

“The City of Fitchburg must expand services and infrastructure as it accommodates new residents and businesses. Levy limits prevent local governments from raising sufficient revenue... Increasing state aid for municipalities would help ease the burden on taxpayers," said Mayor Arata-Fratta.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway called for sustainable solutions at the state level without harmful service cuts.

“We need change at the state level... New legislative maps mean there may be opportunities for change... but we cannot allow our cities to fall into a death spiral of declining services,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway.

Monona Mayor Mary O’Connor pointed out why more Wisconsin communities are seeking funding referendums under current levy limits.

“Monona has reached a point where we simply can’t continue providing expected services under current state levy limits... We’ve cut as much as we can but need more revenue for basic city services," said Mayor O’Connor.

With Wisconsin holding a $3 billion surplus, Verona Mayor Luke Diaz argued that reform would benefit all towns, villages, and cities across Wisconsin.

“By providing more support...the state legislature would be making life better not just for Dane County but all Wisconsin residents,” said Mayor Diaz.

Middleton Mayor Emily Kuhn expressed optimism about collective advocacy among Dane County mayors for financial stability benefiting all residents.

"Communities across Dane County are working harder than ever... It's time for change at the state level," said Mayor Kuhn. “Together, we can build stronger communities for the future."